John Pantoja from the Directed Energy Research Center at TII presented a method to estimate the effects of high current impulses on electro-conductive textiles. The method uses specific action, a parameter to determine burst of exploding wires, and a new equivalent electrical circuit. The model estimates the current intensity needed to melt the conductive layer at contact areas between yarns, and is validated experimentally on ripstop woven fabrics. Why it matters: The research explores conductive fabrics for portable lightning protection shelters, potentially reducing lightning-related accidents in high-risk populations.
Dr. Fernando Albarracin from the Technology Innovation Institute has presented a novel microwave applicator design for hyperthermia, potentially useful in cancer treatment. The design combines two flat dielectric graded-index (GRIN) lenses to localize electromagnetic energy within a specific spot in the tissue. This system offers a suitable alternative to conventional antenna-based applicators by considering the interface between free space and human tissue. Why it matters: This research introduces a new approach to hyperthermia treatment that could improve the precision and effectiveness of cancer therapy in the region.
Mae AlMansoori from TII's Directed Energy Research Center won the Young Scientist Award at URSI Kleinheubacher Tagung 2020. Her paper introduced a correlation metric to evaluate the influence of random variables on high-power electromagnetic sources, specifically a Vircator model. The study combined extreme value theory and descriptive statistics to analyze peak output power variability and identify dominant factors. Why it matters: The research offers a framework for managing uncertainties in high-power electromagnetic sources and optimizing their efficiency, relevant for defense and energy applications in the region.
KAUST alumnus Jagdish Chandra Vyas (Ph.D. '17) received a Student Presentation Award at the Seismological Society of America (SSA) Annual Meeting for his poster "Mach Wave Coherence in the Presence of Source and Medium Heterogeneity." Vyas's Ph.D. research at KAUST, under the direction of Professor Martin Mai, focused on analyzing the effects of rupture complexity and heterogeneities in Earth structure on near-source ground motions. He is currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Why it matters: This award recognizes the high-caliber research being conducted at KAUST and its impact on the field of seismology.
KAUST alumnus Jagdish Chandra Vyas (Ph.D. '17) received a Student Presentation Award at the 2017 Seismological Society of America Annual Meeting for his poster "Mach Wave Coherence in the Presence of Source and Medium Heterogeneity." Vyas's Ph.D. research at KAUST, under Professor Martin Mai, focused on the effects of rupture complexity and heterogeneities in Earth structure on ground motions. Currently a postdoctoral scholar at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand, Vyas credits KAUST's academic environment and facilities for nurturing his research and scientific growth. Why it matters: This award recognizes the high-caliber research conducted at KAUST and highlights the university's contribution to the field of seismology.