Brno University of Technology

About: Brno University of Technology is a education organization based out in Brno, Czechia. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Computer science & Fracture mechanics. The organization has 6339 authors who have published 15226 publications receiving 194088 citations. The organization is also known as: Vysoké učení technické v Brně & BUT.

Comparison of Methods for the Measurement of Piezoelectric Coefficients

Abstract: The charge constant of piezoelectric material is one of the crucial constant values. At the present time, the measurement of this value is mostly realized by means of three techniques: the frequency method, the laser interferometer technique, and the quasi-static method. These techniques have been practically applied to piezoelectric ceramic samples. Our paper presents comparison of the individual methods with regard to their accuracy and the demands placed on the instrumentation and preparation of the piezoelectric material samples. A “soft” ceramic product marketed under the production code of NCE51 was used in the experiments. The methods are described in detail, including the process of sample preparation, description of the experiments, and procedure of calculating coefficients from the measured values.

Unmanned aerial vehicles for alien plant species detection and monitoring

Abstract: Invasive species spread rapidly and their eradication is difficult. New methods enabling fast and efficient monitoring are urgently needed for their successful control. Remote sensing can improve early detection of invading plants and make their management more efficient and less expensive. In an ongoing project in the Czech Republic, we aim at developing innovative methods of mapping invasive plant species (semi-automatic detection algorithms) by using purposely designed unmanned aircraft (UAV). We examine possibilities for detection of two tree and two herb invasive species. Our aim is to establish fast, repeatable and efficient computer-assisted method of timely monitoring, reducing the costs of extensive field campaigns. For finding the best detection algorithm we test various classification approaches (object-, pixel-based and hybrid). Thanks to its flexibility and low cost, UAV enables assessing the effect of phenological stage and spatial resolution, and is most suitable for monitoring the efficiency of eradication efforts. However, several challenges exist in UAV application, such as geometrical and radiometric distortions, high amount of data to be processed and legal constrains for the UAV flight missions over urban areas (often highly invaded). The newly proposed UAV approach shall serve invasive species researchers, management practitioners and policy makers.

Detection performance of cooperative spectrum sensing with hard decision fusion in fading channels

Abstract: In this paper, we investigate the detection performance of cooperative spectrum sensing (CSS) using energy detector in several fading scenarios. The fading environments comprise relatively less-studied Hoyt and Weibull channels in addition to the conventional Rayleigh, Rician, Nakagami-m and log-normal shadowing channels. We have presented an analytical framework for evaluating different probabilities related to spectrum sensing, i.e. missed detection, false alarm and total error due to both of them, for all the fading/shadowing models mentioned. The major theoretical contribution is, however, the derivation of closed-form expressions for probability of detection. Based on our developed framework, we present performance results of CSS under various hard decision fusion strategies such as OR rule, AND rule and Majority rule. Effects of sensing channel signal-to-noise ratio, detection threshold, fusion rules, number of cooperating cognitive radios (CRs) and fading/shadowing parameters on the sensing perform...

A sensing mechanism for the detection of carbon nanotubes using selective photoluminescent probes based on ionic complexes with organic dyes

Abstract: The multifunctional properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) make them a powerful platform for unprecedented innovations in a variety of practical applications. As a result of the surging growth of nanotechnology, nanotubes present a potential problem as an environmental pollutant, and as such, an efficient method for their rapid detection must be established. Here, we propose a novel type of ionic sensor complex for detecting CNTs – an organic dye that responds sensitively and selectively to CNTs with a photoluminescent signal. The complexes are formed through Coulomb attractions between dye molecules with uncompensated charges and CNTs covered with an ionic surfactant in water. We demonstrate that the photoluminescent excitation of the dye can be transferred to the nanotubes, resulting in selective and strong amplification (up to a factor of 6) of the light emission from the excitonic levels of CNTs in the near-infrared spectral range, as experimentally observed via excitation-emission photoluminescence (PL) mapping. The chirality of the nanotubes and the type of ionic surfactant used to disperse the nanotubes both strongly affect the amplification; thus, the complexation provides sensing selectivity towards specific CNTs. Additionally, neither similar uncharged dyes nor CNTs covered with neutral surfactant form such complexes. As model organic molecules, we use a family of polymethine dyes with an easily tailorable molecular structure and, consequently, tunable absorbance and PL characteristics. This provides us with a versatile tool for the controllable photonic and electronic engineering of an efficient probe for CNT detection.

Power sensitivity of vibration energy harvester

Abstract: This paper deals with a power sensitivity improvement of an electromagnetic vibration energy harvester which generates electrical energy from ambient vibrations. The harvester provides an autonomous source of energy for wireless applications, with an expected power consumption of several mW, placed in environment excited by ambient mechanical vibrations. An appropriately tuned up design of the harvester with adequate sensitivity provides sufficient generating of electrical energy for some wireless applications and maximal harvested power depends on a harvester mass, frequency and level of the vibration and sensitivity of the energy harvester. The design of our harvester is based on electromagnetic converter and it contains a unique spring-less resonance mechanism where stiffness is provided by repelled magnetic forces. The greater sensitivity of the harvester provides more generated power or decrease of the harvester size and weight.