Recent Invited Publication: Recent Progress on Space Technology Volume 3, Number 2 , December 2013, Pp: 103 - 117 ISSN: 2210-6871 (Print) ISSN: 1877-6116 (Online) benthamscience/contents.php?in=115056&m=December&y=2013Contents Towards Space ‘Vacuum Technology’ in Virtually Open Space: Ultra- Low-Pressure (ULP) Inflatable Structures Benjamin F. Dorfman Effective, self-sustaining ‘vacuum technologies’, such as magnetron-enhanced plasma deposition processes, may be realized in virtually open space separated from the cosmos by a flexible gas barrier inflated by the functional gas pressure required by those processes. The key challenging aspects of the design and functioning of Ultra-low-pressure (ULP) inflatable structures, as well as their structural integrity in space environment including micrometeoroid attacks, are addressed on a quantitative level, and the main parameters are defined. It is shown that the transition from argon to xenon as a functional gas of vacuum technology would improve the gas barrier functionality of the ULP inflatable structures by one to three orders of magnitude. In conjunction with the recent advances in technology of elastomers, this makes the ULP inflatable structures already realizable and practical. The article includes brief analytical reviews of the recent research and patent publications in the relevant fields from the aspect of ULP inflatable structures. Key words: Space, Space Exploration, Space Technology, Virtually Open Space, Inflatable Structures, Ultra-Low-Pressure (ULP) Inflatable Structures, Ultra-thin inflatable shells, Gas Barriers, Membranes, Elastomers, Fluoropolymers, Vacuum Technology, Magnetron Sputtering, Plasma Deposition, Xenon, Micrometeoroids eurekaselect/102889/article Recent Progress on Space Technology VOLUME: 2, ISSUE: 2, Pages 85-96 (12) ISSN (Print): 1877-6116 ISSN (Online): 2210-6871 DOI: 10.2174/1877611611202020085 Toward Inflatable Structures with Functional Phase Transitions: An Upto- Date Review with a View of Potentials Benjamin F. Dorfman Abstract: Dynamic inflatable structures may complement rigid structures in their long-term mission or permanent life in space. Multifunctional inflatable structures may serve as replaceable co-journeyers, temporal extensions, flexible arms and “sense organs” of rigid structures. Mass-energy effective and sensitive phase transitions are particularly feasible as a physical base for many functions of ultra-light inflatable structures. In this course, the article suggests a dual conceptual patent review: for space inflatable structures and for functionally employed phase transitions patented in the field of space technology or potentially applicable for it. On a quality level, smart inflatable structures with intrinsic phase-transitional properties are considered as well. The method of durable protection extending the life and functions of inflatable structures is also reviewed. Keywords: Space, space exploration, inflatable structures, smart inflatable structures, tunable albedo, phase transitions, tuneable phase transition, metal - insulator transitions Affiliation: Atomic-Scale Design, Inc., 229 19th Avenue No. 9, San Francisco, CA 94121, USA. eurekaselect/96182/article Recent Progress on Space Technology VOLUME: 2, ISSUE: 1, Pages 61-73 (13) ISSN (Print): 1877-6116 ISSN (Online): 2210-6871 DOI: 10.2174/1877611611202010061 To Space-Town Planning: A First Approach Benjamin F. Dorfman Abstract: Planning principles are considered for a permanent three-dimensional complex in space (space-town) protecting the inhabitants from harmful cosmic impacts for several generations at least as effectively as on Earth. The complex includes habitable structures and life-supporting facilities, as well as workshops, services and institutions; the entire complex is interconnected by a system of passages for people and transportation. An axiomatic approach to spacetown planning and a self-consistent set of design rules are suggested. On this basis, the town structure is conceptually, approximately developed and its basic structural parameters, including total mass, are quantitatively defined for three generations of a “minimal city” in free space. Conservatively realistic estimates of anticipated timeframes are given as well. The relevant recent patents are reviewed in the first part of the article. Keywords: Space, space exploration, commercial space, reusable space transport, off-planet migration, architecture, town planning, town planning in space, radiation heat exchange, exchange, radiation heat, Lunar development, spacecraft eurekaselect/95524/article Recent Patents on Mechanical Engineering, VOLUME: 3, ISSUE: 3, Pages 191-205 (15) ISSN (Print): 2212-7976 ISSN (Online): 1874-477X DOI: 10.2174/2212797611003030191 Some Trends and Challenges in Nanomechanics: Up-To-Date Review of Selected Patents and Patent Applications Benjamin F. Dorfman Abstract: Scaling down in “nano” direction changes the face of mechanics: ultimately, the electro-mechanical devices and systems become competitive or synergistic with electronics, but some extraordinary barriers for the further progress are revealing as well. This article presents an analytical overview of some recent patents and patent applications in the field of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-Electro-Mechanical Systems (NEMS). Review is especially focused on challenging, even problematic works and includes the relevant patent publications up-to-date. The reviewed topics are: mechanical resonant frequency in proximity of the GHz-range; towards nanomechanical mass detection in the single Dalton range; synergy of nanomechanics and coherent optics, including implementation in gravity sensors and optical tweezers; nanomechanical-nanoparticles thruster for spacecrafts; memory devices: from continuous movement of the entire storage system to nano-scale movements in selected cells; nanomechanical devices based on quantum phenomena; surface, friction and stiction control in nanomechanical devices; stress- controllable and controlling; in search of nano-construction materials. Keywords: Micro-electro-mechanical systems OR MEMS, nano-electro-mechanical systems OR NEMS, nanomechanics, scanning probe microscopy, quantum size effects, optical tweezers, nanodevice or nano-device, microfluidic or micro-fluidic, nanofluidic or nano-fluidic, MEMS, NEMS, Casimir force, Scanning Tunnelling Microscope, USPTO, transmission mode, TEM, Mechanical Resonant Frequency, GHz-range, ultrahigh frequency, Gravimeters, electrical spinning, Field Emission Electric Propulsion, FEEP, ultra-nanocrystalline diamond, VLS mechanism, Epitaxy, Nanocomposite films, diamond-like carbon, DLC, connection tyranny, Atomic Game Microscopy?, Nano-manipulator, Nano-spool
Posted on: Sun, 29 Sep 2013 18:10:44 +0000
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