We present the design and analysis of a MEMS variable capacitor coupled to thermal actuators. The variable capacitor is composed by two main components: 1) the capacitor built by two squared plates, which one plate is mechanically fixed to the substrate and the other is a moving plate having mechanical suspensions (springs) connected from each corner of it to the substrate, and 2) a set of ther...

Mineral deposits related to thermal springs are generally of the carbonate or silicate precipitation types. Numerous thermal waters have been studied worldwide for their extensive deposits (Italy, Iceland, New Zealand, USA). The occurrence of other deposit types, such as oxides, associated with hydrothennal activity are few. However, the almost pure manganese oxide deposit in Japan was recently...

We investigate use of nanomechanical torsional resonators for frequency-shift-based infrared (IR) thermal sensing. Nanoscale torsion rods, ~1 μm long and 50-100 nm in diameter, provide both extraordinary thermal isolation and excellent angular displacement and torque sensitivities, of order ~10(-7) rad·Hz(-1/2) and ~10(-22) (N·m) Hz(-1/2), respectively. Furthermore, these nanorods act as linear...

Ni-Ti shape memory actuators respond to temperature changes with a shape change. Therefore, they are sensors and actuators. They combine large motion, rather high forces and small size, thus providing high work output. They usually consist of only a single piece of metal, e.g. a helical spring, and do not require sophisticated mechanical systems. They of len fit into tight spaces in given desig...