Gyroscopes sense rotational motions to provide directional guidance without relying on satellites, so they are immune to signal jamming and other cyber threats, making them ideal for aircraft and submarines.
Integrating the devices into smaller defense and consumer electronics has been challenged by fundamental obstacles.
At micro sizes, gyroscopes’ electrical components can produce noise that interferes with their operation.
To maintain performance at microscale, the team developed an all-mechanical device with no on-chip electrical components.
The coin-sized design, fabricated at the Center for Nanophase Materials Sciences, mimics halteres, the vibrating wing-like organs flying insects use to navigate.
« Our goal was to optimize cost and performance in the smallest design possible to expand the market for this technology, » said ORNL’s Nick Lavrik.
Device miniaturization and a consequent increase in the heat and electromagnetic (EM) wave emission in the electronic systems make the simultaneous heat management and electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding crucially important.
Lire la suiteGraphene is an extraordinary material, the only basic member of a family of 2D carbon materials. With its unique mechanical and physical properties, it is a superb filler at the nanoscale, in metal matrix composite materials. It can easily disperse into the matrix and is cheaper than its closest competitor, carbon nanotubes, which enhance strength and function. The increased surface-to-volume ratio of graphene also means that its properties are better reflected in the composite.
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