Straw computer

Straw, L. L., Motteler, H. E Benson, R.G., Hannon S.Eand De Souza-Machado, S. (1998) Fast computation of monochromatic infrared atmospheric transmittances using compressed look-up tables, J Quant. Spectrosc. Radial. Transfer, 59,481-493... 

By 1991, experiments with buckyballs led to long strings of the molecules that are tube- or straw-like and are called buckytubes or nanotubes. Many scientists think nanotubes are a fundamental unit for building countless other nanodevices. Nanotubes can be flexed and woven and are being woven into experimental fibers for use in ultralight, bulletproof vests, as one example. Nanotubes are also perfect conductors, and they may be used to construct atomically precise electronic circuitry for more advanced computers and flat panel displays. 

Sandies were collected from bottom ash, cyclone ash and hot filter dust in some of the CFB test runs carried out with straw. The samples were analysed by light microscopy and electron microscopy. With the first method, an overall inspection was carried out in order to monitor agglomerates and their form. Afterwards, cross-sections were prepared for the electron microscopic analysis (SEM), in which the CCSEM (computer controlled electron microscopy) technique was applied. These analyses were carried out at VTT Manufacturing Technology. In this analysis, sample particles were analysed for their size and chemical composition. 

Shen F, et al. Improving the mixing performances of rice straw anaerobic digestion for higher biogas production by computational fluid d5mamics (CFD) simulation. Appl Bio-chem Biotechnol 2013 171(3) 626-42. 

Many of the products we use in our homes either are composed of plastic or come wrapped in plastic. Plastic bottles, food containers, wrappings, straws, buckets, storage containers, toys, computers, television sets, floors, countertops, furniture, and even car parts are made of plastic. The appeal of plastic lies in its high strength, low cost, variable properties, and ability to mold into almost any shape imaginable. 

Cover picture Ancient Computer made of rice straw. Southern Ryukyu/Japan. Courtesy Museum fur Volkerkunde Wien, Austria. 

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