Interdigitated grid topology may provide for higher quality electrical devices, which are sieges of electric and magnetic fields, in terms of capacity, reconfiguration capability, and compactness. It is then important to provide design solutions that add to these the architectural scalability required to produce readily available solutions for designers. This paper aims to propose a constructal solution for interdigitated grid topologies based on an optimal scalable, minimum-redundant, reconfigurable interdigitated topology for planar electric devices. Although the interdigitated constructal design (ICD) may be of interest in the optimization of numerous planar structures, here we envisage two applications. In this paper, ICD is applied to optimize a planar micro supercapacitor that utilizes vertically grown carbon nanotube forests electrodes. This study relies on numerical solutions to boundary value problems that are solved using the finite element method.

Energy harvesting (EH) is a relatively new area of research seen as a viable and affordable solution for powering up small size, autonomous devices, e.g. wireless sensor arrays. EH devices utilize small-scale parts with low power losses. Key components are the electric power transformers, which convert the voltage/current parameters from the primary, energy harvesting stage to the secondary, storage and delivery levels of the device. Miniaturized constructions, whose implementation may benefit of LIGA fabrication technology, are needed for compact, small size yet power transfer fitted solutions. This paper presents a mathematical model and numerical simulation results for such a miniature, planar, spiral EPT. The study is concerned with the quasi-stationary electromagnetic field and heat transfer analysis of a miniature planar spiral power transformer for EH devices. The paper presents also several key design parameters of the MPST of interest in the DC/DC convertor design.

The paper presents the prototype of an YBCO superferric quadrupolar magnet for high gradient magnetic field generation, design and construction. The temperature of the superconducting coil has to be kept within safe limits or the HTS would exit the superconductive state. Of particular concern is the "warm" beam tube that passes through the magnet. Cryogenic conduction cooling with a closed cycle G-M Cooler may ensure the removal of the ambient heat influx. Numerical simulation results on the magnetic field and heat transfer problems are then discussed. The computational domain is abstracted out of the CAD design of the system. The design solution is presented and compared with the numerical simulations results.

Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) therapy is usually controlled through the magnetic field produced by a permanent magnet; the solution proposed and assessed here considers a planar spiral coil (PSC) or a system of such coils, as an equally effective magnetic field source. The PSC may be designed to provide proper configurations of the magnetic field gradients, required for the generation of high magnetic body forces and to limit, in the same time, unwanted side effects affecting adjacent tissue (heating, excitable tissue stimulation). Simplified numerical models (2D projections) and more realistic structures (3D representations) are shown and analyzed in the paper; the electromagnetic and heat transfer problems are solved for different powering schemes applied to the coils.

Biomedical engineering distinguished itself as an emerging educational domain during the last 15-20 years, stimulated in the contemporary developed societies by the growing need for competitive health care facilities and high quality assistance.Used more and more in modern medicine, high tech equipment is already popular in health care infrastructures and facilities. Interdisciplinary qualified personnel are expected to provide the innovative design, development and maintenance of such equipment and the technical assistance for therapy. A Master of Science program in the field of Medical Engineering started at University "Politehnica" of Bucharest more than ten years ago; it is offered to graduates of engineering, medical sciences, and other scientific tracks (physics, biology, informatics etc.). The main characteristic of the program is interdisciplinarity; education and genuine interprofessional experience are offered in a stimulating interactive academic environment. From the technical perspective, Electrical & Electronic Engineering plays a significant role in the scientific activities spectrum contributing to high performance technical outcomes for new medical technologies and modern equipment.In this paper we highlight the following issues: goals of the educational program, accredited curriculum, available resources, educational methods and professional competence expected from master studies graduates in medical engineering. Several particularities that individualize the educational program from other common master studies and the methods experienced here are also shown. The attraction for candidates and the professional satisfaction are assessed by some statistical data and comments.

This study is concerned with the noninvasive impedance cardiography (ICG) as a measure of the stroke volume and cardiac output. In many articles on this topic, people who participate in the experiments have various heart diseases and therefore we did tests on both healthy and with different cardiac disease subjects. The aim is to compare the results obtained for stroke volume and cardiac output for the two categories of persons by two methods, which will be detailed in the paper. A numerical simulation approach to ICG based on a computational domain built out of medical images completes the study.

This paper presents a mathematical model and numerical simulation results on transport and targeting of a medical substance carried by magnetic nanoparticles through a high gradient magnetic field. In our study we use simpler yet consistent models for the hemodynamic flow, and more complex, realistic computational domains based on medical images for the iliac arterial branching. The biocompatible drug carrier is injected in the blood. An optimized array of permanent magnets generates the targeting magnetic field, in the process of medication delivery in the region of therapeutic concern.

This paper presents numerical simulation model and results on magnetic drug targeting therapy. The study aims at investigating the aggregate blood - magnetic carrier flow interaction with an external magnetic field. Another objective was finding the optimal magnetic field source configuration that provides for flows that best assist in magnetic drug targeting. In order to evaluate the effects we used finite element analysis. The computational domains range from various ideal 2D blood vessel models to 3D more realistic models.

Heating of conductive media through exposure to electromagnetic radiation in the frequency range of 10(8)-10(11) Hz is applied in medicine to obtain thermal effects proper to treat tumors. Several therapeutic procedures, like hyperthermia and coagulation, are based on power deposition in biological tissue acting as lossy dielectric material. Numerical modeling of the intervention represents a research tool, useful for the optimization of the procedure. The coupled phenomena, electromagnetic and thermal, are analyzed here in a numerical experiment with the finite element method (FEM). Dosimetric quantities - electromagnetic field (EMF) strength, absorbed power density and temperature - are computed inside the exposed volume of tissue and the energetic efficiency of the applicator is evaluated.The goal of the paper is to evaluate some dosimetric parameters and to provide heating control during the treatment of liver tumors through hyperthermia; the method provides the rise of the temperature in the tumorous tissue to 43-45 degrees C for extended periods of time.

Distributed data acquisition system for biomedical signals that comply with the specific standards for continuous domestic surveillance of vital parameters are commonly used in assisting outpatients. Such systems, built with off-the-shelf, accessible medical devices may include ECG monitors and basic ECG signals analysis may be performed and medical information relevant to diagnosis may be produced. This paper presents a classification system, implementable on domestic surveillance systems, aimed assisting field diagnostics by quantitative evaluation of ECG signals versus tabulated normal and pathologic signals.

Recently, there is a growing interest in developing numerical methods and tools to investigate the hemodynamics of the arterial flow, and to understand its influence on the transport of solutes (e.g., oxygen), nutrients, etc. As arteries morphology is complex and patient-related, medical data based reconstruction of the geometry may be utilized to generate realistic computational domains. The blood flow is then investigated by finite element method (FEM) for a range of flow parameters. The flow patterns thus obtained may be utilized for vascular surgery training, planning and intervention, to investigate atherosclerosis genesis, in drug targeting, etc.

This work presents a numerical contribution devoted to the settlement of a methodological and technological procedure for the certification of electric and electronic wireless modern equipment, in relation with harmless human exposure to electromagnetic field (EMF). The numerical finite elements method (FEM) models presented in the paper are built as research tools, intended to complement experimental assessment, required for the certification of radiofrequency and microwaves emitting equipment.

The paper describes a SBC-based weather server. Its main advantages over traditional architectures are greater flexibility, lower costs, and higher reliability in the field. By using a proper enclosure, the weather server can be operated outdoors in remote locations, and it can provide information on the main weather parameters such as wind direction average and maximum speed, atmospheric pressure momentary and maximal for the day, temperature, illumination, short term forecasts, etc., in the form of an easy to read webpage that also allows for commands to be passed to the weather server. A networked weather server operates in a distributed monitoring system, covering large geographical areas and helping forecasts with local data.

The paper is dedicated to the flow modeling in micro-bifurcations, with application in hemodynamics of vessels and capillaries located in the endothelial wall. In particular, the present study is focused to the experimental and numerical simulations of the vortical patterns in micro-junctions for Newtonian and Carreau - Yasuda models at Re << 1.

Interdigitated polymer electrolyte fuel cells are particularly attractive due to the enhanced transport rates and benefits with respect to electrode flooding. A 2D isothermal model is used to simulate the outlining processes that occur at the elemental fuel cell level. A Finite Element Method analysis is conducted to simulate the flow and current density fields for different gas channel configurations. The main outcome of this study is the optimal size (width) of the interconnect plate shoulder that provides maximum electrical power output.

Superconductivity could become an enabling technology for all-electric aircraft propulsion. Historically, aircraft design is based on extrapolation of past experience, meaning that a new aircraft is an improvement of existing designs. Since an all-electric aircraft would be based on new technologies, its design requires the creation of new tools. Physics-based models have to be developed for all the components of the aero-vehicle. This paper presents a physics-based model for superconducting motors to be used in a synthesis and optimization program commonly used by aircraft designers. The model is able to generate a motor design from propulsion requirements providing weight, volume, efficiency, armature temperature, etc. The temperature rise in the armature is an important limiting factor in superconducting motors; this is calculated through a thermal model of the armature based on equivalent lumped parameter circuit. All the electrical and thermal parameters are used for optimization of the motor. The paper presents a design example based on a typical small aircraft.

Recent technological progresses brought into attention the Spherical PhotoVoltaic Cells (SPVC), known for their capability of capturing light three-dimensionally not only from direct sunlight but also as light diffused by the clouds or reflected by the buildings. This paper reports the structural optimization of several types of spherical photovoltaic cells (SPVC) by applying the constructal principle to the minimization of their electrical series resistance. A numerically assisted step-by-step construction of optimal SPVCs, from the smallest, elemental cell to the largest assembly that relies on the minimization of the maximum voltage drop subject to volume (material) constraints is presented. In this completely deterministic approach the SPVC shape and structure is the outcome of the optimization of. a volume, to point access problem imposed as a design request.

This paper describes our first attempt to introduce an international component into the Capstone Senior Design. The main objective of this first experience is to expose students to a global working environment, where in addition to the complexity of team dynamics, they have to face challenges associated with the distance, language, schedules and curriculum differences. This is a realistic microcosm of how many engineers will have to operate during their careers. We have started with two international teams composed of students from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering (FAMU-FSU) and (i) the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Federal University of Parana (UFPR) in Brazil and (ii) the Department of Electrical Engineering at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest (PUB) in Romania. The paper discusses the team selection process, the communication channels, the funding strategies, and the positive and negative elements associated with this first experience of adding an international character to the teams

In constructal theory, the optimal shape (geometry) and structure of natural and engineered systems is the outcome of their functionality and resources, and of the constraints to which they are subject. This paper reports the optimization results of the new generation of honeycomb spherical photovoltaic cells (SPVC) with respect to the series electrical resistance. It is assumed that the cells work under steady state conditions. The electrical potential (voltage) distribution is found by numerically integrating the mathematical model of the DC current distribution within the SPVC.