Science / Technology - Colloquium
Monday, April 30, 2007
4:00 PM-5:00 PM
Olin Hall
107
There is widespread belief that the future is likely to be dominated by MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) and/or NEMS (Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems) devices, which will be used in such diverse applications as gas and pressure sensors, accelerometers, chemical analytic ``microlaboratories'', and airborne ``nanosatellites''. Because MEMS devices must react to mechanical signals, many employ construction topologies that require physical motion and the concomitant lubrication which prevents heating/melting and wear of the device. It is well established however that the macroscopic laws governing friction and wear are inapplicable at the molecular scale. The need to carry out new and fundamental research relevant to the development of optimal, or even operational submicron-scale mechanical systems is therefore increasingly important.
Cost: Free
Sponsored by: WPI Physics Department, Dr. Stephen Jasperson
Suggested Audiences: College
E-mail:
snj@wpi.edu
Phone: 508-831-5392
Last Modified: April 27, 2007 at 2:43 PM
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