A family of position mutated hierarchical particle swarm optimization algorithms with time varying acceleration coefficients (viz.HPSO-TVAC, ) is introduced in this paper. The proposed position mutation schemes help the swarm to get out of local optima traps and the hierarchical nature of the swarm prevents premature convergence. One distinct advantage of the proposed algorithms over the existing mutated PSO algorithms is that HPSO-TVAC do not involve any controlling parameter. Performance of the proposed algorithms is evaluated on standard benchmark functions. Comparative study shows that HPSO-TVAC performs better than the other HPSO-TVAC, HPSO-TVAC, comprehensive learning PSO (CLPSO), adaptive-CLPSO (A-CLSPO), PSO with time-varying inertia weight (PSO-TVIW), and constriction factor PSO (CFPSO)for the benchmark functions considered. We apply the proposed algorithm to the synthesis of uniformly excited, unequally dpaced linear array to minimize sidelobe level (SLL) and to control first-null-beamwidth (FNBW) and null locations. Further, we apply the proposed algorithm to the synthesis of unequally spaced sparse planar array to minimize SLL.

Abstract:Over the past few years, microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based on-chip resonators have shown significant potential for sensing and high frequency signal processing applications. This is due to their excellent features like small size, large frequency-quality factor product, low power consumption, low cost batch fabrication, and integrability with CMOS IC technology. Radio frequency communication circuits like reference oscillators, filters, and mixers based on such MEMS resonators can be utilized for meeting the increasing count of RF components likely to be demanded by the next-generation multi-band/multi-mode wireless devices. MEMS resonators can provide a feasible alternative to the present-day well-established quartz crystal technology that is riddled with major drawbacks like relatively large size, high cost, and low compatibility with IC chips. This article presents a survey of the developments in this field of resonant MEMS structures with detailed enumeration on the various micromechanical resonator types, modes of vibration, equivalent mechanical and electrical models, materials and technologies used for fabrication, and the application of the resonators for implementing oscillators and filters. These are followed by a discussion on the challenges for RF MEMS technology in comparison to quartz crystal technology; like high precision, stability, reliability, need for hermetic packaging etc. which remain to be addressed for enabling the inclusion of micromechanical resonators into tomorrow's highly integrated communication systems.

A recent application domain of MEMS technology is in the development of microthrusters for micro-/nanosatellites. Among the various types of MEMS microthruster developed so far, the vaporizing liquid microthruster (VLM) has been widely explored for its capability to produce continuously variable thrust in the micro-Newton (µN) to mili-Newton (mN) range. This paper reports the design and experimental validation of silicon MEMS VLM consisting of a microcavity, inlet channel and converging–diverging (C-D) in-plane exit nozzle integrated in two micromachined bonded chips and sandwiched between two p-diffused microheaters, located at the top and bottom surface of the device. Structural configuration was designed using simple analytical equations to achieve maximum thrust force by controlling the inlet propellant flow and heater power of VLM in an efficient way. In addition, a 3D model using a computational fluid dynamics technique was constructed to simulate the aft section of VLM for the investigation of its aerodynamic behavior. The device fabrication and testing have been briefly described. The fabricated VLM is capable to produce 1 mN thrust using maximum heater power of 3.6 W at a water flow rate of 2.04 mg s−1 using an in-plane C-D exit nozzle of throat area 130 µm × 100 µm. A detailed thrust force measurement was carried out with the variation of input heater power for different mass flow conditions and exit to throat area ratio of the exit nozzle, and the results were interpreted with the theoretical model. The model gives considerable physical insight in the operation of the VLM. Finally, a performance comparison with other published VLM results indicates that the present design can yield comparatively more thrust force with much less input power. A performance comparison with other published VLM results indicates that the present design can achieve improved performance by integrating two heaters with appropriate chamber volume in respect of propellant flow rate and input power for obtaining a supersaturated dry stream.

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Because carbon is the basic element of all life forms and has been successfully applied as a material for medical applications, it is desirable to investigate carbon for drug delivery applications, as well. In this work, we report the fabrication of a hollow carbon microneedle array with flow channels using a conventional carbon-microelectromechanical system (C-MEMS) process. This process utilizes the scalable and irreversible step of pyrolysis, where prepatterned SU-8 microneedles (precursor) are converted to glassy carbon structures in an inert atmosphere at high temperature (900 °C) while retaining their original shape upon shrinkage. Once converted to glassy carbon, the microneedles inherit the unique properties of hardness, biocompatibility, and thermal and chemical resistance associated with this material. A comparative study of hardness and Young’s modulus for carbon microneedles and SU-8 microneedles was performed to evaluate the increased strength of the microneedles induced by the C-MEMS process steps. Structural shrinkage of the carbon microneedles upon pyrolysis was observed and estimated. Material characterizations including energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and Raman spectroscopy were carried out to estimate the atomic percentage of carbon in the microneedle structure and its crystalline nature, respectively. Our investigations confirm that the microneedles are glassy in nature. Compression and bending tests were also performed to determine the maximum forces that the carbon microneedles can withstand, and it was found that these forces were approximately two orders of magnitude higher than the resistive forces presented by skin. A microneedle array was inserted into mouse skin multiple times and was successfully removed without the breakage of any microneedles.