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AbstractBackgroundMethodsResultsConclusionThe “floating mass transducer” (FMT) of the Vibrant Soundbridge was initially attached to the long process of the incus (LP). In patients missing an incus, coupling to the stapes head using the Vibroplasty CliP-coupler is used. Its main limitation is the height, leading to potential contact with the tympanic membrane. The new stapes head (SH)-coupler reduces the functional height but tilts the stimulation angle by 30°. We investigated the SH-coupler’s magnitude and sound transmission quality compared to the LP-coupler.Laser Doppler vibrometry was used on 10 cadaveric human temporal bones. Measurements of the stapes and round window motion were taken for electrical (FMT-) stimulation during application of both couplers.At the round window, the SH-coupler showed a significantly higher gain magnitude than the LP-coupler (+ 13.4 dB over 1023–3577Hz). At low frequencies (382–500Hz), the SH-coupler gain was significantly lower (-9.9 dB). Total harmonic distortions >10% at 100 dB HLeq were recorded in 3.4% of the SH- and 7.4% of the LP-couplers above 500 Hz.The SH-coupler’s performance exceeds the LP-coupler in middle and high frequencies and is comparable to and a good alternative to the CliP-coupler, dependent on the individual anatomy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Acoustofluidics has shown great potential in enabling on‐chip technologies for driving liquid flows and manipulating particles and cells for engineering, chemical, and biomedical applications. To introduce on‐demand liquid sample processing and micro/nano‐object manipulation functions to wearable and embeddable electronics, wireless acoustofluidic chips are highly desired. This paper presents wireless acoustofluidic chips to generate acoustic waves carrying sufficient energy and achieve key acoustofluidic functions, including arranging particles and cells, generating fluid streaming, and enriching in‐droplet particles. To enable these functions, the wireless acoustofluidic chips leverage mechanisms, including inductive coupling‐based wireless power transfer (WPT), frequency multiplexing‐based control of multiple acoustic waves, and the resultant acoustic radiation and drag forces. For validation, the wirelessly generated acoustic waves are measured using laser vibrometry when different materials (e.g., bone, tissue, and hand) are inserted between the WPT transmitter and receiver. Moreover, the wireless acoustofluidic chips successfully arrange nanoparticles into different patterns, align cells into parallel pearl chains, generate streaming, and enrich in‐droplet microparticles. This research is anticipated to facilitate the development of embeddable wireless on‐chip flow generators, wearable sensors with liquid sample processing functions, and implantable devices with flow generation and acoustic stimulation abilities for engineering, veterinary, and biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative study focused on a modal parameters estimation of specimens manufactured by the FDM technique using a fixed embedded vibrometer based on the laser Doppler principle and roving hammer-impact method. Part of this paper is devoted to testing a fixed circular plate with a honeycomb infill pattern while varying the number of excitation points (DOFs), the number of analysis lines of fast Fourier transformation (FFT), and the locations or numbers of reference degrees of freedom (REFs). Although these parameters did not significantly affect the values found for the natural frequencies of the structure, there were changes in the estimates of the mode shapes (affected by the low number of DOFs), in the height and sharpness of the peaks of the CMIF functions (caused by the increased number of FFT lines), and in the number of identified modes (influenced by the chosen location(s) of REFs), respectively. Subsequently, the authors compared the results of experimental modal analyses carried out under the same conditions on three circular plates with honeycomb, star, and concentric infill patterns made of PLA. The results confirm that specimens with honeycomb or star infill patterns have a higher stiffness than those with concentric infill patterns. The low values of the damping ratios obtained for each structure indicate a strong response to excitation at or near their natural frequencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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A fire event is highly hazardous for microgravity habitable environment in space due to confined volume of crew module and limited mitigation resources. The complex electric circuitry in crew module are the predominant cause of fire initiation and its early detection could prevent catastrophic fire spread. Smoke and flame detectors are two such sensing instruments for early detection and preventing major fire incidents. Development of these sensors with design constraints of compactness, light weight and intricate geometries are challenging to comply stringent project schedules. Additive manufacturing being an advantages technique to develop intricate complex geometries are carefully chosen to design and develop these sensors which gave us advantages of design flexibility of achieving two parts consolidated assembly as compared to 5–8 parts assembly developed by conventional manufacturing methods. Substantial mass and volume savings are achieved which are more than 34% and 15% respectively. This study is further compared with developed smoke detector for Orion Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV)- NASA and established the facts of mass and size saving. The space worthiness of both subsystems are evaluated by functional and space environmental test specifications. The designs are quite stiff to achieve natural frequencies of the order of 1000 Hz to establish the structural integrity of sensors for bearing launch vibration loads. The functional aspects of these sensors are evaluated as per available standard UL217/UL268 for smoke detector and sensitivity parameters (size of fire, distance, field of view and electric spark) for flame sensor which are found quite satisfactory. Thus, the development potential using additive manufacturing proved a noteworthy use case for development of smoke and flame sensor for space environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (CSLDV) technique is usually used to evaluate the vibration operational deflection shapes (ODSs) of structures with continuous surfaces. In this paper, an extended CSLDV is demonstrated to measure the non-continuous surface of the bladed disk and to obtain the ODS efficiently. For a bladed disk, the blades are uniformly distributed on a given disk. Although the ODS of each blade can be derived from its response data along the scanning path with CSLDV, the relative vibration direction between different blades cannot be determined from those data. Therefore, it is difficult to reconstruct the complete vibration mode of the whole blade disk. In order to measure the complete ODS of the bladed disk, a method based on ODS frequency response functions (ODS FRFs) has been proposed. While the ODS of each blade is measured by designing the suitable scanning paths in CSLDV, an additional response signal is obtained at a fixed point as the reference signal to identify the relative vibration phase between the blade and the blade of the bladed disk. Finally, a measurement is performed with a simple bladed disk and the results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed extended CSLDV method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, the practical issues connected with guided wave measurement are studied: (1) the influence of gluing of PZT plate actuators (NAC2013) on generated elastic wave propagation, (2) the repeatability of PZT transducers attachment, and (3) the assessment of the possibility of comparing the results of Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) measurement performed on different 2D samples. The consideration of these questions is crucial in the context of the assessment of the possibility of the application of the guided wave phenomenon to structural health-monitoring systems, e.g., in civil engineering. In the examination, laboratory tests on the web of steel I-section specimens were conducted. The size and shape of the specimens were developed in such a way that they were similar to the elements typically used in civil engineering structures. It was proved that the highest amplitude of the generated wave was obtained when the exciters were glued using wax. The repeatability and durability of this connection type were the weakest. Due to this reason, it was not suitable for practical use outside the laboratory. The permanent glue application gave a stable connection between the exciter and the specimen, but the generated signal had the lowest amplitude. In the paper, the new procedure dedicated to objective analysis and comparison of the elastic waves propagating on the surface of different specimens was proposed. In this procedure, the genetic algorithms help with the determination of a new coordinate system, in which the assessment of the quality of wave propagation in different directions is possible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a comparative study focused on a modal parameters estimation of specimens manufactured by the FDM technique using a fixed embedded vibrometer based on the laser Doppler principle and roving hammer-impact method. Part of this paper is devoted to testing a fixed circular plate with a honeycomb infill pattern while varying the number of excitation points (DOFs), the number of analysis lines of fast Fourier transformation (FFT), and the locations or numbers of reference degrees of freedom (REFs). Although these parameters did not significantly affect the values found for the natural frequencies of the structure, there were changes in the estimates of the mode shapes (affected by the low number of DOFs), in the height and sharpness of the peaks of the CMIF functions (caused by the increased number of FFT lines), and in the number of identified modes (influenced by the chosen location(s) of REFs), respectively. Subsequently, the authors compared the results of experimental modal analyses carried out under the same conditions on three circular plates with honeycomb, star, and concentric infill patterns made of PLA. The results confirm that specimens with honeycomb or star infill patterns have a higher stiffness than those with concentric infill patterns. The low values of the damping ratios obtained for each structure indicate a strong response to excitation at or near their natural frequencies.

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In this article, local defect resonance-based vibrothermography has been studied for different sweep direction and ranges. Two different carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composite plate has been fabricated from vacuum assisted resin transfer molding. In the first plate, a flat bottom hole has been made and two barely visible impact damages are created in other plate. The area of delamination has been determined from phased array ultrasound testing. Laser doppler vibrometry (LDV) has been performed first for different sweep ranges and directions. The CFRP plate is excited with a piezoelectric element at 150 Vpp and the vibration over defect area is captured using a single point laser doppler vibrometer, operating in scanning mode. It has been found that vibration amplitude at local defect resonance (LDR) frequency increases in narrow sweep range compared to a wideband excitation. Again, in both cases, it has been found that backward sweep produces more amplitude compared to forward one due to softening nonlinearity. An asymmetry in LDR frequency is also been observed when the sweep range is further narrowed. An uncooled microbolometer camera is used for reception in case of vibrothermography. Backward sweep is found to be more effective as compared to the forward one and the temperature increment increases in case of narrowband excitation range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing, Ultrasonic Metal Welding (USMW) is one of the major joining techniques due to its advantages in welding multiple thin sheets of highly conductive materials. The sonotrode, serving as the welding tool, transmits high-frequency oscillation to the joining parts. Due to the high frequency of thermal-mechanical loading, the knurl pattern on the sonotrode wears with an increasing number of welds, which significantly influences the welding process, resulting in poor joint quality. In this study, a high-frequency test system was developed to investigate the wear mechanisms of the sonotrode. Based on the comparable relative motion to the welding process, the thermal-mechanical loadings on the contact area were analyzed. As the oscillation amplitude of the sonotrode increased, the estimated frictional force between the sonotrode and the copper counter body remained constant, while an increase in the sliding distance was observed in the contact area. Temperature development showed a strong correlation with mechanical loading. A first approach of continuous testing was performed but was limited due to the failure of the copper counter body under ultrasonic stimulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: In chronic otitis media, the reconstruction of the middle ear's sound conducting system involves repairing the tympanic membrane and filling the space between ossicular chain remnants. The final shape of the prosthesis is usually determined intraoperatively. However, the ossicular chain may be preoperatively measured using computed tomography (CT) scans, and an individualized prosthesis can be designed. Custom 3D printing seems to be an attractive solution for optimal adjustment. Aim: Our study aimed to assess the 3D-printed custom prosthesis movability and compare it to the original ossicular chain. Material and methods: Five fresh-frozen temporal bone specimens were used. Using Cone-Beam CT scans, the incus model was designed individually and 3D-printed. The ossicular chain was reconstructed inside the cadaveric temporal bone. Acoustic stimuli were applied to the external ear canal one frequency at a time. The laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) measured the intact and 3D-printed prosthesis reconstructed ossicular chain vibrations. Results: At all stimulation frequencies, there was no significant difference in velocity values between the intact and reconstructed ossicular chain at the intensity of 80 dB SPL. The obtained values of the velocity gain were: -7.9 (SD-19) dB, -6.8 (SD- 8.12) dB, -10,9 (SD-5.3) dB, -7.4 (SD-8.16) dB for 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, 4000 Hz, respectively. The vibration threshold shift values ranged between --0.57 dB at 500 Hz and 3.81 dB at 2000 Hz. Conclusions: This study analyzed the movability of individualized 3D-printed custom ossicular prostheses using LDV. Compared to the intact ossicular chain, the reconstructed ossicular chain movability was characterized by statistically insignificant reduced movability at all tested frequencies. Because the prosthesis's new design conception as custom 3D individualized printing allows for patient-specific ossiculoplasty, it represents a promising new direction for ossicular chain reconstruction. It seems to be an attractive solution for prosthesis optimal adjustment and, hopefully, better hearing results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The continuous scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (CSLDV) technique is usually used to evaluate the vibration operational deflection shapes (ODSs) of structures with continuous surfaces. In this paper, an extended CSLDV is demonstrated to measure the non-continuous surface of the bladed disk and to obtain the ODS efficiently. For a bladed disk, the blades are uniformly distributed on a given disk. Although the ODS of each blade can be derived from its response data along the scanning path with CSLDV, the relative vibration direction between different blades cannot be determined from those data. Therefore, it is difficult to reconstruct the complete vibration mode of the whole blade disk. In order to measure the complete ODS of the bladed disk, a method based on ODS frequency response functions (ODS FRFs) has been proposed. While the ODS of each blade is measured by designing the suitable scanning paths in CSLDV, an additional response signal is obtained at a fixed point as the reference signal to identify the relative vibration phase between the blade and the blade of the bladed disk. Finally, a measurement is performed with a simple bladed disk and the results demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed extended CSLDV method.

We demonstrate a compact heterodyne Laser Doppler Vibrometer (LDV) based on the realization of optical frequency shift in the silicon nitride photonic integration platform (TriPleX). We theoretically study, and experimentally evaluate two different photonic integrated optical frequency shifters (OFSs), utilizing serrodyne and single-sideband (SSB) modulation. Both OFSs employ stress-optic modulators (SOMs) based on the non-resonant piezoelectrical actuation of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin-films, deposited on top of the silicon nitride waveguides with a wafer-scale process. To improve the modulation bandwidth of the SOMs we investigate a novel configuration of the electrodes used for the actuation, where both electrodes are placed on top of the PZT layer. Using this top-top electrode configuration we report frequency shift of 100 kHz and 2.5 MHz, and suppression ratio of the unwanted sidebands of 22.1 dB and 39 dB, using the serrodyne and the SSB OFS, respectively. The best performing SOM structure induces 0.25π peak-to-peak sinusoidal phase-shift with 156 mW power dissipation at 2.5 MHz. We use the SSB-OFS in our compact LDV system to demonstrate vibration measurements in the kHz regime. The system comprises a dual-polarization coherent detector built in the PolyBoard platform, utilizing hybrid integration of InP photodiodes (PDs). High quality LDV performance with measurement of vibration frequencies up to several hundreds of kHz and displacement resolution of 10 pm are supported with our system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the assembly of safety relevant tightening joints mainly continuous rotating tools are used. The operating principle of controlled impulse tightening tools can be an useful extension. In practice, the use of pulsating tools turns out to be difficult due to missing or complicated procedures and guidelines for traceable calibration. Further the evaluation of the maximum torque of a pulse results in large fluctuations regarding the switch‐off accuracy of these tools. In this context, the energetic approach for tightening joints creates the potential for a tool‐independent assessment of the assembly quality. Based on analyzes of ongoing energetic conversions from the entry of the tool powertrain to the tightening preload, the target parameter, the quantity of energy can be consulted for a process evaluation. First requirement is a comprehensive theoretical understanding of the processes while the pulsating energy input. This has to be verified through practical investigations in the next step. The first aim is to take account of the entire progress of an impulse curve in evaluation. As well the comparability of different tool types should be enabled with this approach. Furthermore, the use of controlled impulse tightening tools should become simpler with the "strategies" of performance limitation and oversizing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Resonance based nonlinear techniques works efficiently in detecting small size damages in the composite structures. Local defect resonance (LDR) is a resonance based nonlinear technique which enables to activate the damage directly. In this study, recently developed LDR based automated methodology is carried out from far side of the impact damage to detect the LDR frequency and mode shape of the impact damage. This methodology is implemented by carrying out experiments on glass fibre reinforced polymer (GFRP) plate using air coupled emission (ACE) technique. This plate contains three artificial delaminations and one low velocity impact damage. Initially, the LDR frequency and mode shape of each damage is accomplished using ACE testing, justified with Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV). Later, the Otsu's algorithm is performed to get the accurate size of the impact damage. Subsequently, a broadband backward sweep is used to detect all delamination including the impact damage. Then, maximum amplitude of each frame has been found from output data of all spatial nodes. Later, the LDR frequency frame (N L ) has been identified in the time domain from the slope and curvature plots followed by Discrete Fourier Transform (DFT) to detect the LDR frequency and mode shape of the damage. So, it has been observed that less than defect size is obtained when inspected from the far side. Further, this method will be extended to find out the depth of individual damage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Recruitment of coral larvae on reefs is crucial for individual survival and ecosystem integrity alike. Coral larvae can detect and respond to a wide range of biotic and abiotic cues, including acoustic cues, to locate suitable sites for settlement and metamorphosis. However, the acoustic ecology of coral larvae, including how they perceive auditory cues, remains poorly understood. In this mini-review we consider both ex situ physiology and behavior, and in situ ecological and behavioral studies, to first provide an updated overview of the abiotic and biotic cues used by coral larvae to guide settlement. We then explore in detail the use of acoustic cues and the current literature on behavioral responses to acoustic stimuli. Finally, we discuss gaps in our understanding of the mechanisms by which coral larvae detect acoustic cues, highlighting a novel application of technology to explore these sensory capabilities. We also address how larval phonotaxis, i.e., the ability to orient to a sound cue, can be applied to coral reef conservation. Current research suggests that acoustic cues are likely used at small spatial scales, and that coral larvae may have directional acoustic sensitivity enabling phonotactic behavior. Recruitment of coral larvae on reefs is significantly influenced by habitat-specific soundscape variation and likely affected by anthropogenic disturbance. We propose a novel application of the remote sensing technology, micro-scanning laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV), to quantify the micromechanical responses of putative acoustically sensitive epidermal microstructures. We then highlight the potential for incorporation of acoustic enrichment techniques in coral reef conservation and restoration interventions.

Purpose: Studies have assessed the trauma and change in hearing function from the use of otological drills on the ossicular chain, but not the effects of partial laser ablation of the incus. A study of the effectiveness of a novel middle-ear microphone for a cochlear implant, which required an incus recess for the microphone balltip, provided an opportunity to compare methods and inform a feasibility study of the microphone with patients. Methods: We used laser Doppler vibrometry with an insert earphone and probe microphone in 23 ears from 14 fresh-frozen cadavers to measure the equivalent noise level at the tympanic membrane that would have led to the same stapes velocity as the creation of the incus recess. Results: Drilling on the incus with a diamond burr created peak noise levels equivalent to 125.1–155.0 dB SPL at the tympanic membrane, whilst using the laser generated equivalent noise levels barely above the baseline level. The change in middle ear transfer function following drilling showed greater variability at high frequencies, but the change was not statistically significant in the three frequency bands tested. Conclusions: Whilst drilling resulted in substantially higher equivalent noise, we considered that the recess created by laser ablation was more likely to lead to movement of the microphone balltip, and therefore decrease performance or result in malfunction over time. For patients with greatly reduced residual hearing, the greater consistency from drilling the incus recess may outweigh the potential benefits of hearing preservation with laser ablation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Combining advantages of LDV and FTP. • The displacement resolution of FTP measurement has been enhanced by two orders of magnitude. • Benefits include high spatial resolution, high precision and not requiring any manipulation of the measured objects, expanding its range of applications. • High order operational deflection shapes of object can be reconstructed using a regular camera. A method for full-field vibration measurement that combines Fourier Transform Profilometry (FTP) and Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) is proposed and validated experimentally on various structures. This technique projects sinusoidal fringe patterns onto the test sample using a flashing LED at an oblique angle, while a CCD camera captures the fringe images vertically. Vibration data is derived from 3-D phase maps generated by applying FTP to these images and is further calibrated using a motorized translation stage. To improve the precision of FTP and extend the measurable frequency range beyond that of normal-rate cameras, initial single-point vibration data from the test sample is obtained using LDV. This prior information enables noise decoupling and down-sampling techniques to be employed. The experimental results confirm that this method can precisely reconstruct the high-order operational deflection shapes of vibration on structures with different materials, achieving a precise measurement for vibration amplitude of around 500 nm (1/2000 of fringe spacing) on a 10 cm x 10 cm plastic plate and a 2 cm x 14 cm aluminum beam with approximately 1 mm fringe spacing and 26° projection angle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ear canal and intracochlear pressures become nonlinear at high SPLs. • The saturation point of ossicular transmission is frequency dependent. • High SPL transmission exhibits harmonic distortion consistent with peak clipping. • Results can be used to update and extend hearing hazard assessment tools. Previous reports have suggested that intracochlear pressures (P IC) measured at the base of the cochlea increase directly proportionally with stapes displacement (D Stap) in response to moderately high (<130 dB SPL) level sounds. Consistent with this assumption, we have reported that for low frequency sounds (<1 kHz), stapes displacement and intracochlear pressures increase linearly with sound pressure level (SPL) for moderately high levels (<130 dB SPL), but saturate at higher exposure levels (>130 dB SPL). However, the magnitudes of each response were found to be frequency dependent, thus the relationship between D Stap and P IC may vary at higher frequencies or higher levels. In order to further examine this frequency and level dependence, measurements of D Stap and P IC were made in cadaveric human temporal bones prepared with a mastoidectomy and extended facial recess to expose the ossicular chain. P IC was measured in scala vestibuli (P SV) and scala tympani (P ST) simultaneously with SPL in the external auditory canal (P EAC) and laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) measurements of stapes velocity (V Stap). Consistent with prior reports, D Stap and P SV increased proportionally with sound pressure level in the ear canal up to a frequency-dependent saturation point, above which both D Stap and P SV showed a distinct deviation from proportionality with P EAC , suggesting that their relationship may remain constant at these high frequencies. Likewise, while the asymptotic value, and SPL at which saturation occurred were frequency dependent in both D Stap and P SV, the reduction in gain with increasing SPL above this level was constant above this level at all frequencies, and the magnitude of responses at harmonics of the driving frequency increased with increasing level, consistent with harmonic distortion via peak clipping. Importantly, this nonlinear distortion shifts the energy arriving at the inner ear to higher frequencies than are present in incident stimulus, thus exposing the high frequency sensitive components of the auditory system to more noise than would be expected from measurement of that stimulus on its own. Overall, responses suggest that the cochlear representation of very high-level air conducted stimuli is limited by nonlinearities in the middle ear, and that this peak limiting leads to increased high frequency cochlear exposures than are present in the driving stimulus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In current automotive lithium-ion battery manufacturing, Ultrasonic Metal Welding (USMW) is one of the major joining techniques due to its advantages in welding multiple thin sheets of highly conductive materials. The sonotrode, serving as the welding tool, transmits high-frequency oscillation to the joining parts. Due to the high frequency of thermal-mechanical loading, the knurl pattern on the sonotrode wears with an increasing number of welds, which significantly influences the welding process, resulting in poor joint quality. In this study, a high-frequency test system was developed to investigate the wear mechanisms of the sonotrode. Based on the comparable relative motion to the welding process, the thermal-mechanical loadings on the contact area were analyzed. As the oscillation amplitude of the sonotrode increased, the estimated frictional force between the sonotrode and the copper counter body remained constant, while an increase in the sliding distance was observed in the contact area. Temperature development showed a strong correlation with mechanical loading. A first approach of continuous testing was performed but was limited due to the failure of the copper counter body under ultrasonic stimulation.

Tympanometry provides an objective measurement of the status of the middle ear. During tympanometry, the ear-canal pressure is varied, while the response of the ear to sound pressure is measured. The effects of the pressure on the mechanics of the middle ear are not well understood. This study is a continuation of our previous work in which the vibration response of the gerbil eardrum was measured in vivo under quasi-static pressure steps. In this study, we delivered a continuous pressure sweep to the middle ear and measured the vibration response at four locations for six gerbils. Vibrations were recorded using a single-point laser Doppler vibrometer and glass-coated reflective beads (diameter ~ 40 µm) at the umbo and on the mid-manubrium, posterior pars tensa and anterior pars tensa. The vibration magnitudes were similar to those in the previous step-wise pressurization experiments. Most gerbils showed repeatability within less than 10 dB for consecutive cycles. As described in the previous study, as the frequency was increased at ambient pressure, the vibration magnitude on the manubrium increased slightly to a broad peak (referred to as R1) and then decreased until a small peak appeared (referred to as R2), followed by multiple peaks and troughs as the magnitude decreased further. The low-frequency vibration magnitude (at 1 kHz) decreased monotonically as the pressure became more negative except for a dip (about 500 Pa wide) that occurred between − 700 and − 1800 Pa. The lowest overall magnitude was recorded in the dip at mid-manubrium. The vibration magnitudes also decreased as the middle-ear pressure was made more positive and were larger than those at negative pressures. R1 was only visible at negative and small positive middle-ear pressures, while R2 was visible for both positive and negative pressures. R2 split into multiple branches after the middle-ear pressure became slightly positive. No magnitude dip was visible for positive middle-ear pressures. The low-frequency vibration magnitudes at negative middle-ear pressures on the pars tensa were higher than those on the manubrium. R1 was not visible for large negative middle-ear pressures on the pars tensa. R2 appeared as a multi-peak feature on the pars tensa as well, and a higher-frequency branch on the posterior pars tensa appeared as a trough on the anterior pars tensa. The magnitude dip was not present on the pars tensa. The largest overall magnitude was recorded at the R2 peak on the posterior pars tensa. The results of this study expand on the findings of the step-wise pressurization experiments and provide further insight into the evolution of the vibration response of the eardrum under quasi-static pressures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we present how complementary characterization techniques, such as electrical measurements with a vector network analyzer (VNA), optical measurements with a laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV), and numerical simulations with the finite element method, coupled with spectral domain analysis (FEMSDA), allow us to independently access different properties of a SAW device and fully characterize its operation using the coupling-of-modes theory (COM). A set of chemical SAW sensors coated with parylene C layers of different thicknesses (1, 1.5, and 2 µm) and an uncoated sensor were used as test samples. The sensors represent dual-channel electroacoustic delay lines operating in the vicinity of 77 MHz. The IDTs consist of split aluminum electrodes deposited on a AT-cut quartz substrate. The thickness-dependent influence of the parylene C layer was observed on the operating frequency (SAW velocity), static capacitance, attenuation, crosstalk, and reflection coefficient. COM parameters were reported for the four cases considered; measured and simulated data show good agreement. The presented approach is suitable for the design, characterization, and validation of polymer film-coated SAW sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Anchoring grafts for tympanic membrane (TM) reconstruction in anterior and subtotal TM defects is essential to prevent medialisation and can be facilitated by cartilaginous bending spring tympanoplasty (CBST). The purpose of this study was to analyse the impact of spring cartilages on middle ear transfer functions and patient hearing levels. Methods: In six fresh-frozen human temporal bones a cartilage graft (measuring 6 × 2 mm with a thickness of 0.1–0.2 mm) was formed into a 'U'-shaped bending spring, to be placed between the medial tympanic wall and the tympanic underlay grafts. The stapes velocity for excitation by exponential sweeps from 400 to 10,000 Hz was measured with a laser Doppler vibrometer. The resulting middle ear transfer functions were compared with the reconstructed middle ear. For clinical evaluation, 23 ears in 21 patients with chronic otitis media and an intact ossicular chain were operated using CBST. At each follow-up visit, the patients underwent pure-tone audiometry and the Freiburg monosyllabic speech test at a presentation level of 65 dB SPL for the word recognition score (WRS). Results: The measured stapes velocities at one-third octave midband frequencies averaged 3.56 × 10–2 ± 9.46 × 10–3 (mm/s/Pa) compared to 3.06 × 10–2 ± 6.86 × 10–3 (mm/s/Pa) with the bending and underlay cartilage in place (p = 0.319; r = 0.32). The bending spring tympanoplasty reduced the transfer function by 1.41 ± 0.98 dB on average. In the clinical part of the study, the graft success rate was 96% (22 out of 23 patients) after a mean follow-up of 5.8 ± 2.4 months (min. 3.5 months, max. 12.0 months). The air–bone gap improved significantly by 6.2 dB (± 6.6 dB; p < 0.001; r = 0.69), as well as the WRS from 61.8 ± 33.3% preoperatively to 80.0 ± 20.9% postoperatively (p = 0.031; r = 0.35). Conclusion: Experimental data as well as initial clinical results suggest that CBST is an effective method for reconstructing anterior or subtotal defects of the tympanic membrane with satisfactory audiologic results and graft success rates comparable to previously described methods. It can, therefore, be added to the arsenal of tympanoplasty techniques for anterior and subtotal TM perforations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work presents a behavioral model for a microelectromechanical (MEM) relay for use in circuit simulation. Models require calibration, and other published relay models require over a dozen parameters for calibration, many of which are difficult to extract or are only available after finite element analysis. This model improves on prior work by taking advantage of model normalization, which often results in models that require fewer parameters than un-normalized models. This model only needs three parameters extracted from experiment and one dimension known from device fabrication to represent its non-contact behavior, and two additional extracted parameters to represent its behavior when in contact. The extracted parameters–quality factor, resonant frequency, and the pull-in voltage–can be found using laser Doppler vibrometry. The device dimension is the actuation gap size, which comes from process data. To demonstrate this extraction process, a series of velocity step responses were excited in MEM relays, the measured velocity responses were used to calibrate the model, and then then simulations of the model (implemented in Verilog-A) were compared against the measured data. The error in the simulated oscillation frequency and peak velocity, two values selected as figures of merit, is less than 10% across many operating voltages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The majority of issues related to patients suffering from conductive hearing loss and repeated otitis media are due to chronic tympanic membrane perforations. This generally requires a surgical procedure called tympanoplasty to seal the perforation where autologous grafts are used to reconstruct the membrane. However, the limitations associated with surgical procedures and the limited graft-material availability often cause difficulties in this route; demanding novel procedures or materials. The basic requirements for a synthetic graft-material for this application cover excellent cell adherence with no immune response and inflammatory actions at the site of implantation along with wound-healing characteristics and sufficient acoustic and mechanical properties. With this aim, an innovative graft material has been developed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the base component through this work. To ensure better cell adhesion and proliferation, a natural polymer, gelatin, has been cross-linked with PVA through a maleic anhydride (MA) intermediate; with a two-step synthesis protocol. The mechanical strength of graft material has been found to be tunable by adjusting the ratio of gelatin with PVA. Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) has been employed to evaluate its acoustic properties upon exposure to a frequency sweep of 10-8000 Hz. The in vitro biocompatibility assays using L929 and RPMI 2650 cells substantiate the material's compatibility; ensuring its potential clinical applications toward chronic tympanic membrane perforations., (© 2024 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Abstract Effective communication requires a match among signal characteristics, environmental conditions, and receptor tuning and decoding. The degree of matching, however, can vary, among others due to different selective pressures affecting the communication components. For evolutionary novelties, strong selective pressures are likely to act upon the signal and receptor to promote a tight match among them. We test this prediction by exploring the coupling between the acoustic signals and auditory sensitivity in Liolaemus chiliensis, the Weeping lizard, the only one of more than 285 Liolaemus species that vocalizes. Individuals emit distress calls that convey information of predation risk to conspecifics, which may respond with antipredator behaviors upon hearing calls. Specifically, we explored the match between spectral characteristics of the distress calls and the tympanic sensitivities of two populations separated by more than 700 km, for which previous data suggested variation in their distress calls. We found that populations differed in signal and receptor characteristics and that this signal variation was explained by population differences in body size. No precise match occurred between the communication components studied, and populations differed in the degree of such correspondence. We suggest that this difference in matching between populations relates to evolutionary processes affecting the Weeping lizard distress calls.

Bush-crickets have dual-input, tympanal ears located in the tibia of their forelegs. The sound will first of all reach the external sides of the tympana, before arriving at the internal sides through the bush-cricket's ear canal, the acoustic trachea (AT), with a phase lapse and pressure gain. It has been shown that for many bush-crickets, the AT has an exponential horn-shaped morphology and function, producing a significant pressure gain above a certain cut-off frequency. However, the underlying mechanism of different AT designs remains elusive. In this study, we demonstrate that the AT of the duetting Phaneropterinae bush-cricket Pterodichopetala cieloi function as coupled resonators, producing sound pressure gains at the sex-specific conspecific calling song frequency, and attenuating the remainder—a functioning mechanism significantly different from an exponential horn. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that despite the sexual dimorphism between the P. cieloi AT, both male and female AT have a similar biophysical mechanism. The analysis was carried out using an interdisciplinary approach, where micro-computed tomography was used for the morphological properties of the P. cieloi AT, and a finite-element analysis was applied on the precise tracheal geometry to further justify the experimental results and to go beyond experimental limitations.

Laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) is a non-contact vibration measurement technique based on the Doppler effect of the reflected laser beam. Thanks to its feature of high resolution and flexibility, LDV has been used in many different fields today. The miniaturization of the LDV systems is one important development direction for the current LDV systems that can enable many new applications. In this paper, we will review the state-of-the-art method on LDV miniaturization. Systems based on three miniaturization techniques will be discussed: photonic integrated circuit (PIC), self-mixing, and micro-electrochemical systems (MEMS). We will explain the basics of these techniques and summarize the reported miniaturized LDV systems. The advantages and disadvantages of these techniques will also be compared and discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing methods for the non-invasive characterization of the mechanics of musculoskeletal tissues is an ongoing research focus in biomechanics. Often, these methods use the speed of shear wave propagation to characterize tissue mechanics (e.g., shear wave elastography and shear wave tensiometry). The primary purpose of this systematic review was to identify, compare, and contrast current methods for exciting and measuring shear wave propagation in musculoskeletal tissues. We conducted searches in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases for studies published from January 1, 1900, to May 1, 2020. These searches targeted both shear wave excitation using acoustic pushes and mechanical taps, and shear wave speed measurement using ultrasound, magnetic resonance imaging, accelerometers, and laser Doppler vibrometers. Two reviewers independently screened and reviewed the articles, identifying 524 articles that met our search criteria. Regarding shear wave excitation, we found that acoustic pushes are useful for exciting shear waves through the thickness of the tissue of interest, and mechanical taps are useful for exciting shear waves in wearable applications. Regarding shear wave speed measurement, we found that ultrasound is used most broadly to measure shear waves due to its ability to study regional differences and target specific tissues of interest. The strengths of magnetic resonance imaging, accelerometers, and laser Doppler vibrometers make them advantageous to measure shear wave speeds for high-resolution shear wave imaging, wearable measurements, and non-contact ex vivo measurements, respectively. The advantages that each method offers for exciting and measuring shear waves indicate that a variety of systems can be assembled using currently available technologies to determine musculoskeletal tissue material behavior across a range of innovative applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The inspection of the quality of welds in battery packs plays an important role in ensuring safety during the manufacturing and operation of energy-storage devices in automotive vehicles during service. This research investigated the novel application of laser Doppler vibrometry, a widely used non-destructive optical technique for modal analysis, to the post-weld evaluation of micro-TIG-welded interconnections in lithium-ion supercells. The experimental modal analysis showed features in the modal models of the supercells that were unique to their welding conditions. The comparisons between the supercells showed an absence of linear correlations between the modal parameters and the welding current, as well as differences in the welding parameters obtained from the negative and positive terminals of the cylindrical cells. These findings suggested that the modal parameters of the supercells were more strongly influenced by the rigidity of the structural materials than by the localized compliance of the welded interconnections. While this investigation demonstrated a method for using laser Doppler vibrometry to distinguish between different welding conditions in lithium-ion supercells at a structural level, further development is needed to identify the weld quality of individual interconnections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A simple and high yield method is presented for the bulk generation of atomic force microscopy (AFM) probes with self‐sharpened silicon tips. The experimental setup includes a controlled chemical etching environment at a constant temperature with continuous recirculation and filtration. A KOH solution is considered cost‐effective as the etchant and stabilized to the required concentration (55%, v/v) and temperature (40 °C), so as to provide an etch rate of 40 nm min−1 and yield a smooth etch profile. A high density of silicon tips is fabricated, with yield up to 90%, and a consistent tip radius of ≈12.73 ± 1.51 nm. These tips can be successfully integrated with AFM cantilevers, resulting in AFM probes. Further, such AFM‐probes are well characterized using laser Doppler vibrometry and scanning electron microscopy. The result shows a resonance frequency of 1.2–1.4 MHz and a high‐quality factor of ≈708.8. In addition, the AFM probes produced images are comparable in quality to those obtained from commercially available probes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Endolymphatic hydrops (EH) is considered as the pathological correlate of Menière's disease (MD) and cause of hearing loss. The mechanism of EH, remaining unrevealed, poses challenges for formalized clinical trials. Objective: This study aims to investigate the development of hearing loss, as well as the effect of dehydration treatment on EH animal models. Methods: In this study, different severity EH animal models were created. The laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were used to study the effects of EH and the dehydration effects of mannitol. The LDV was used to measure the vibration of the round window membrane (RWM) reflecting the changes in inner ear impedance. ABR was used to evaluate the hearing changes. Furthermore, tissue section and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were used to analyze the anatomical change to the cochlea and outer hair cells. Results: The RWM vibrations decreased with the severity of EH, indicating an increase in the cochlear impedance. The dehydration therapy lowered the impedance to restore acoustic transduction in EH 10- and 20-day animal models. Simultaneously, the ABR thresholds increased in EH models and were restored after dehydration. Moreover, a difference in the hearing was found between ABR and LDV results in severe EH animal models, and the dehydration therapy was less effective, indicating a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). Conclusion: Endolymphatic hydrops causes hearing loss by increasing the cochlear impedance in all tested groups, and mannitol dehydration is an effective therapy to restore hearing. However, SNHL occurs for the EH 30-day animal models, limiting the effectiveness of dehydration. Our results suggest the use of dehydrating agents in the early stage of EH. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-stiffness or compliant materials are inherently difficult to characterize in terms of dynamic mechanical properties. Their free-vibration behavior is not frequently analyzed, given that performing classic vibration testing in these type of materials may imply the tampering of the results by external sources, either by changes in the geometry of the sample, by gravity-induced buckling, or the instrumentation itself (e.g., the mass of accelerometers). This study proposes an approach to determine the frequency response of these types of materials, using a noncontact methodology based on acoustic excitation and displacement measurement by Laser Döppler Vibrometry. The detailed method may be optimized by changing the sample design into a half-cane configuration to increase sample stiffness. This approach significantly increases the sample eigenmodes, facilitating their excitation by the acoustic pressure source. Numerical analysis using the values of the dynamic Young’s modulus from the experimental approaches validates the overall procedure. It is shown that the combination of numerical analysis and the proposed experimental method is a possible route for the determination of the dynamic Young’s modulus of these types of materials by inverse engineering.

In this work, we analyzed a variety of metrics derived from Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) characterization of 3D printed rectangular prisms. The metrics of interest were natural frequencies and amplitudes of first and second bending vibration modes, equivalent elastic moduli, damping ratios and areas of transmissibility functions. To explore the influence of printing process parameters on the dynamical behavior and, therefore, on the aforementioned metrics, 48 different combinations were considered, including build orientation, raster angle, nozzle temperature, print speed and layer height as relevant parameters. Thus, 96 polylactic acid (PLA) rectangular prisms were fabricated and LDV characterization was carried out. Based on the equivalent elastic modulus metrics, it was possible to corroborate the influence of printing process parameters on the mechanical performance, being raster angle, build orientation and nozzle temperature the most influential parameters. Likewise, the analysis of damping ratios served to assess the degree of interfilament bonding of 3D printed rectangular prisms. Thus, rectangular prims that exhibited high damping ratios also showed evident lack of adhesion between deposited filaments. Low damping ratios and, therefore, superior interfilament bonding was connected with on edge build orientation, high nozzle temperature (220 °C) and low print speed (60 mm/s) for specimens fabricated using 0° as raster angle. The analyses of areas of transmissibility functions and amplitudes of vibration modes also confirmed a better transmission of excitation (i.e., larger areas and higher amplitudes) for optimally fabricated parts, that is, specimens featuring relatively high equivalent elastic moduli and low damping ratios. Moreover, the application of Classical Laminate Theory to establish the relationships between elastic modulus and damping ratio with raster angle confirmed low temperature (200 °C) and high print speed (120 mm/s) resulted in low elastic modulus a high damping ratios and, therefore, poor interfilament bonding. The present findings confirm LDV is a powerful technique in the characterization of additively manufactured products, being able to discriminate different mechanical behaviors as well as the degree of interfilament bonding. Despite of their simplicity, the metrics derived from LDV characterization represent an attractive tool for both research and industrial applications.

BackgroundEndolymphatic hydrops (EH) is considered as the pathological correlate of Menière’s disease (MD) and cause of hearing loss. The mechanism of EH, remaining unrevealed, poses challenges for formalized clinical trials.ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the development of hearing loss, as well as the effect of dehydration treatment on EH animal models.MethodsIn this study, different severity EH animal models were created. The laser Doppler vibrometer (LDV) and auditory brainstem responses (ABR) were used to study the effects of EH and the dehydration effects of mannitol. The LDV was used to measure the vibration of the round window membrane (RWM) reflecting the changes in inner ear impedance. ABR was used to evaluate the hearing changes. Furthermore, tissue section and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observations were used to analyze the anatomical change to the cochlea and outer hair cells.ResultsThe RWM vibrations decreased with the severity of EH, indicating an increase in the cochlear impedance. The dehydration therapy lowered the impedance to restore acoustic transduction in EH 10- and 20-day animal models. Simultaneously, the ABR thresholds increased in EH models and were restored after dehydration. Moreover, a difference in the hearing was found between ABR and LDV results in severe EH animal models, and the dehydration therapy was less effective, indicating a sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL).ConclusionEndolymphatic hydrops causes hearing loss by increasing the cochlear impedance in all tested groups, and mannitol dehydration is an effective therapy to restore hearing. However, SNHL occurs for the EH 30-day animal models, limiting the effectiveness of dehydration. Our results suggest the use of dehydrating agents in the early stage of EH.

The avian feather combines mechanical properties of robustness and flexibility while maintaining a low weight. Under periodic and random dynamic loading, the feathers sustain bending forces and vibrations during flight. Excessive vibrations can increase noise, energy consumption, and negatively impact flight stability. However, damping can alter the system response, and result in increased stability and reduced noise. Although the structure of feathers has already been studied, little is known about their damping properties. In particular, the link between the structure of shafts and their damping is unknown. This study aims at understanding the structure-damping relationship of the shafts. For this purpose, laser Doppler vibrometry (LDV) was used to measure the damping properties of the feather shaft in three segments selected from the base, middle, and tip. A combination of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and micro-computed tomography (µCT) was used to investigate the gradient microstructure of the shaft. The results showed the presence of two fundamental vibration modes, when mechanically excited in the horizontal and vertical directions. It was also found that the base and middle parts of the shaft have higher damping ratios than the tip, which could be attributed to their larger foam cells, higher foam/cortex ratio, and higher percentage of foam. This study provides the first indication of graded damping properties in feathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A challenge in the field of material science and concrete technology is to associate material properties and behavior with changes in internal microstructure. A fundamental issue for planning, implementation, and quality control of construction projects is the fundamental understanding of the hardening process in freshly poured cement-based materials. Shortly after the mixing process, cementitious materials exhibit a substantial damping effect on ultrasonic wave propagation along with low-pulse velocity. The way a wave reflects and diffuses in the volume of a solid material can provide important information about internal heterogeneities. An important application of the wave propagation technique is the determination of layers within the material distinguished by unlike elastic properties. During the hardening process, the ultrasonic wave propagation exhibits a noticeable sensitivity at the point of phase change of the material, that is, the critical point at which the state of the suspension transforms from liquid to solid state. After that point, there is a continuous increase of pulse velocity and ultrasonic signal amplitude. The solidification point is of practical importance since at this point the load-bearing capacity of the composite material and its long-term behavior are based on the connectivity of the solid phase. This study aims to develop a nondestructive tool to monitor freshly poured cement-paste composites at early stages, during the hydration process, by means of nonlinear elastic waves. The measurement setup combined a contact ultrasonic transducer with a noncontact optical detection system, in which the principle of operation is based on the Doppler effect. This methodology enabled us to assess the amplitudes of harmonic vibrations of an acoustic wave propagating through the material with a specific fundamental frequency. This enabled the evaluation of important material properties, such as minute changes in the internal microstructure of fresh concrete during hardening, the evolution of nonlinearity parameters that relate to higher-order elastic constants of the material, as well as the ultrasonic wave velocity.

Abstract Background The BONEBRIDGE (MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria) is a bone-conduction implant used in the treatment of conductive and mixed hearing loss. The BONEBRIDGE consists of an external audio processor and a bone-conduction floating mass transducer that is surgically implanted into the skull in either the transmastoid, retrosigmoid or middle fossa regions. The manufacturer includes self-tapping screws to secure the transducer; however, self-drilling screws have also been used with success. In cases where the skull is not thick enough to house the transducer, lifts are available in a variety of sizes to elevate the transducer away from the skull. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of screw type, lift thickness, and implant location on the sound transmission of the BONEBRIDGE. Method Six cadaveric temporal bones were embalmed and dried for use in this study. In each sample, a hole was drilled in each of the three implant locations to house the implant transducer. At the middle fossa, six pairs of screw holes were pre-drilled; four pairs to be used with self-tapping screws and lifts (1, 2, 3, and 4 mm thick lifts, respectively), one pair with self-tapping screws and no lifts, and one pair with self-drilling screws and no lifts. At the transmastoid and retrosigmoid locations, one pair of screw holes were pre-drilled in each for the use of the self-tapping screws. The vibration of transmitted sound to the cochlea was measured using a laser Doppler vibrometry technique. The measurements were performed on the cochlear promontory at eight discrete frequencies (0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4 and 6 kHz). Vibration velocity of the cochlear wall was measured in all samples. Measurements were analyzed using a single-factor ANOVA to investigate the effect of each modification. Results No significant differences were found related to either screw type, lift thickness, or implant location. Conclusions This is the first known study to evaluate the effect of screw type, lift thickness, and implant location on the sound transmission produced by the BONEBRIDGE bone-conduction implant. Further studies may benefit from analysis using fresh cadaveric samples or in-vivo measurements.