Subpicoampere current source based on a digital-to-analog converter
A current source based on a voltage ramp generated by a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter and a differentiating capacitor has been developed in MIKES. The system is suitable for generating currents from 1 fA to 100 pA. Standard deviation of average dU/dt:s of 70 ramps during an overnight measurement is as low as 1 ppm.
Comparison of MIKES and PTB precision current sources based on capacitor charging
A new traceable low current source based on charging a capacitor by a ramp generator consisting of two digital-to-analog converters has been developed by MIKES. The current source has been compared with the ramp generator current source of PTB at currents between 10 fA and 100 pA. No significant deviations were observed at uncertainty levels ranging from about 20 μA/A at 100 pA to about 7 mA/A at 10 fA.
Damage initiation and propagation in composite shells subjected to impact
Abstract The paper investigates the impact-induced damage initiation and propagation for laminated composite shells under low-velocity impact. A three-dimensional eight-node non-conforming element is described to analyze interlaminar stress distribution, and progressive failure. The damage analysis is performed by using Tsai–Wu quadratic failure criterion, Tsai’s damage modes and an additional delamination formula at all Gaussian points. The damage modes considered are matrix cracking, fiber breakage and delamination. The progressive failure is expressed by reducing stiffness of the material at all failed Gaussian points. Special attention is centered on curved laminates. Impact energy threshold for the onset of damage and transient damage size are predicted for composite shells. The analyses of the flat and curved laminates are compared for discussing their different damage mechanism. In addition, the influence of the stacking sequence, the thickness and the radius of curvature on damage behavior of composite shells are studied.