Title: Analysis and design of a high-speed projector for environmentally sustainable micro and nanoparticle deposition

Authors: Mark J. Jackson, R. Mark French, Rodney G. Handy, Mileta M. Tomovic, Vinay Gorrepathi, Eduardo Alcorta

Addresses: Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. ' Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. ' Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. ' Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. ' Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA. ' Advanced Manufacturing Laboratory, College of Technology, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA

Abstract: It may be possible to use high-speed impacts as a machining process at the meso and microscales. Before this can be realised, it is necessary to develop both an understanding of the physics of such impacts and to develop a method of generating repeatable, accurate impacts. As a first step in this process, we have made a simple device that fires small spheres at high-speed using the pressure differential generated by a vacuum. We have quantified the performance of a small-scale gas-gun by recording firing events using high-speed video. Experimental data is compared to results from numerical simulations to completely characterise the physics involved in firing. In addition, we present the results of high-speed impacts resulting in significant plastic deformation in the target material.

Keywords: nanomachining; surface deposition; impact machining; nanoparticles; environmentally sustainable manufacturing; nanomanufacturing; high speed impacts; physics; small-scale gas gun; firing events; plastic deformation; high speed projectors.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2007.014618

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2007 Vol.1 No.5, pp.666 - 684

Published online: 21 Jul 2007 *

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