Difference between revisions of "Gemstone-like molecular element"

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'''Diamondoid molecular elements''' (DMEs) are '''[//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_element structural elements] or [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_element machine elements] at the lower physical size limit'''. They are produced via [[mechanosynthesis]] and are often are highly symetrical.
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[[File:Tetrapod-openconnects display large square.jpg|300px|thumb|right|Here is a rather small structural [[diamondoid]] [[crystolecule]] with some bonds (brighter red) intentionally left [[Nanoscale surface passivation|open/dangling/unpassivated]]. A [[crystolecule fragment]]. Such [[surface interface]]s can be fused together via [[seamless covalent welding]] in the [[second assembly level]] and perhaps higher assembly levels.]]
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Since '''metals are unsuitable''' (they lack directed bonds and tend to [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_diffusion diffuse]) [[diamondoid]] materials must be used. Diamondoid molecular elements are central in [[technology level III]] and [[technology level II]].
+
  
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Check out '''[http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/visuals.html some images of DME examples]'''.
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[[File:atomistic acetylene sorting pump model.jpg|frame|A proposed [[acetylene sorting pump]]. This is a larger [[diamondoid machine element]] (DME). Possibly assembled from several pre-produced smaller [[diamondoid crystolecule]]s. The frame is one big monolithic crystolecule (it may be fused togehter via [[seamless covalent welding]] during assembly). Other parts are smaller independent crystolecules that may be [[piezochemical mechanosynthesis|mechanosynthesized]] fully passivated as a whole and integrated as a whole without any seamless welding.]]
  
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* DM machine elements (DMMEs) ([http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/visuals.html examples]) like e.g. bearigs and gears have completely passivated surfaces.
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'''Gemstone-like molecular elements''' (GMEs) here also called '''crystolecules''' are parts of machine elements and structural elements at the lowermost physical size limit.  
−
* DM structural elements (DMSEs) ([http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:13786 example]) are minimally sized structural building blocks that are only partially passivated. They expose multiple radicals on some of their surfaces that act as [[atomic precision|AP]] [[surface interfaces|welding interfaces]] to complementary surfaces. The step of connecting [[surface interfaces]] is done in [[assembly levels|assembly level II]] and is irreversible.
+
They are produced via [[piezochemical mechanosynthesis]] and are often highly symmetrical.  
 +
Gemstone-like molecular elements are the basic building blocks in [[gemstone metamaterial technology]].
  
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'''Name suggestion:''' since DMEs are somewhat of a cross between crystals and molecules why not call them '''"crystolecules"'''
+
= Base material =
  
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*    DME ... Diamodoid Molecular Element (stiff - small - minimal)
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[[Gemstone-like compounds]] are the most suitable base material for crystolecules.
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*    DMME ... D.M. Machine Element
+
Beside classical gemstones like diamond other semi-precious minerals including bio-minerals that are synthesizable in solution also fall under gemstone-like compounds.
−
*    DMSE ... D.M. Structural Element
+
These may be accessible earlier in [[technology level II|semi advanced]] precursor technologies.
  
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= Diamondoid molecular machine elements =
+
Use of [[pure metals and metal alloys]] is rather unsuitable for crystolecules.
 +
* Metallic bonds with free electron gas are not directed like covalent bonds.
 +
* Metal atoms on metal surfaces tend to [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Surface_diffusion diffuse] away from where they have been deposited. Especially on surfaces.
  
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== Types ==
+
Crystolecules are:
 +
* assembled from small [[molecule fragments]] – in the [[Assembly level 1 (gem-gum factory)|first assembly level]] – typically mostly irreversible
 +
* assembled to bigger [[crystolecular unit]]s – in the [[Assembly level 2 (gem-gum factory)|second assembly level]] – typically partially irreversible
  
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=== Bearings  ===
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'''Given their nanoscale gemstone like nature unfortunately crystolecules and their assemblies [[crystollecular element|crystollecular (machine) elements]] cannot be produced yet (state 2015..2021).'''
  
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DMME bearings exhibit [[superlubrication|superlubrication]]. In the case of [[diamondoid]] rotative bearings this looks like described here: [http://e-drexler.com/p/04/02/0315bearingSums.html E.Drexler's blog: Symmetric molecular bearings can exhibit low energy barriers that are insensitive to details of the potential energy function].
+
A subclass of [[gemstone-like compounds]] are [[diamond like compounds]]. (For a disambiguation see: [[Diamondoid]]) <br>
 +
Accordingly a subclass of [[gemstone-like molecular element]]s are [[diamondoid molecular element]]s.
 +
* '''[[Diamondoid molecular machine element]]s''' (DMMEs) are assemblies of some diamondoid crystolecules implementing one specific mechanical function
 +
* '''[[Diamondoid molecular structural element]]s''' (DMSEs) are crystolecules or assemblies of some diamondoid crystolecules implementing a structural function
  
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The occurring friction is orders of magnitude lower than the one occurring when liquid lubricants are used in macro ore microscopic (non [[atomic precision|AP]]) bearings [http://e-drexler.com/p/04/03/0322drags.html E.Drexler's blog: Phonon drag in sleeve bearings can be orders of magnitude smaller than viscous drag in liquids].
+
= Beware of the stroboscopic illusion =
  
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DMME bearings can be built such that the force between bearing and axle is anti-compressive further lowering dynamic drag but also lowering stiffness possibly down to zero. [http://e-drexler.com/p/04/03/0322nonrepulsive.html E.Drexler's blog: Bearings can be stable despite attractive interactions between their surfaces]
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{| class="wikitable floatright" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: 0px;"
 +
|-
 +
|'''well animated bearing''' <br> The fast thermal vibrations are more realistically blurred out. The remaining localized periodic average deformations (visible here if one looks closely) are highly reversible. (See page abbout "[[superlubrication]]".)
 +
|'''badly animated bearing''' <br> The present stroboscopic effect can be misleading in that friction is likely to be grossly overestimated. It deceivingly looks like as if the operating speed would be close to the speed of the thermal vibration. If that where the case it indeed would cause massive friction (strong coupling of motions with similar frequency).
 +
|-
 +
| [[File:SmallBearingSmoothAnimation.gif|right|DMME - bearing with blurred out fast vibrations]]
 +
|[[File:SmallBearingStrobeAnimation.gif|right|DMME - bearing with misleading stroboscopic effect]]
 +
|}
  
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If badly chosen the combined symmetry of bearing and axle can create a bistable tristable or an other low symmetry configuration. This should usually be avoided. Some symmetry considerations can be found here: [http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/bearingProof.html Zyvex; Ralph C. Merkle: A Proof About Molecular Bearings] and iirc on the Nanoengineer-1 developer wiki which went missing. :(
+
'''Simulated DMEs often show a misleading stroboscopic effect''' which can make one believe that the operation frequencies lie near the thermal frequencies, giving the false impression of enormously high friction but actually the contrary is true. <br>
 +
See: "[[Friction in gem-gum technology]]" and "[[Superlubrication]]".
  
−
A tutorial on bearing design can be found here: [http://www.somewhereville.com/?p=82 A Low-Friction Molecular Bearing Assembly Tutorial, v1]
+
Gemstone like molecular machine elements with sliding interfaces will work exceptionally well. (See: [[Superlubricity]]) <br>
 +
There is both experimental evidence and theoretical evidence for that. <br>
 +
(See e.g.: [[Evaluating the Friction of Rotary Joints in Molecular Machines (paper)]] and the friction analysis in [[Nanosystems]])
  
−
=== Friction elements ===
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= Nomenclature =
  
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Interlocking teeth with low stiffness can snap back and thermalize energy.
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Since the here described physical objects have no official name yet (2016..2021) <br>
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[http://e-drexler.com/p/04/02/0315pairSnap.html E.Drexler's blog: Softly supported sliding atoms can undergo abrupt transitions in energy]
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something sensible must be invented to refer to them in this wiki.
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This can serve as a break (analog to an electrical resistor in an electrical circuit)
+
  
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=== Gears ===
+
= "Crystolecules" – Term introduction and definition =
  
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Single rows of protruding atoms can be used as gear teeth.
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These objects are somewhat of a cross between a crystal and a molecule. <br>
−
Considerations about stiffness as in [[superlubrication]] for DMME bearings are relevant [''more details needed''].
+
So let's use the term '''"crystolecule"'''. <br>
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A simple pair of inter-meshing straight bevel-gears have higher bumpiness than well designed DMME bearings.
+
This is nice because it's:
−
This can be reduced by making the gears helical. '''Example designs are needed'''.
+
* quite accurate in descriptiveness
−
Using more than one row for a gear tooth will lead to more "bumpiness" but also potentially higher transmittable torque. Further '''investigation needed'''
+
* quite conveniently usable in natural language
 +
* quite memorably (catchy) because it seems unusual (clickbait effect)
  
−
=== Fasteners  ===
+
Specificall lets use the term "crystolecule" for ones that are typically are:
−
Details can be found on the [[locking mechanisms]] page. <br>
+
* small – stiff – minimal
−
Enclosed radicals could be used to make very compact reversible connectors (name suggestion: ''covaconns'' - for covalent connectors)
+
* structural
 +
* monolithic (like illustrated)
 +
* do (typically) not yet feature irreversibly enclosed moving parts – (no [[form closure]] yet – there may be exceptions)
 +
* are assembled purely at the first assembly level by [[piezochemical mechanosynthesis]] (direct [[in place assembly]])
  
−
* expanding ridge joint
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= Crystolecular units =
  
−
=== Pumps ===
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'''See main page: [[Crystolecular unit]]'''
  
−
There is a model of a single atom neon pump which to some degree acts as a filter too.
+
These are bigger assemblies of basic structural crystolecules. <br>
−
Positive displacement pumps like piston pumps scroll pumps or progressing cavity pumps have not yet been designed.
+
Assembled from crystolecules either via [[seamless covalent welding]] or [[Van der Waals force sticking]] and/or [[shape closing interlocking]]
  
−
=== Others  ===
+
Let's use a different name for crystolecules or assemblies of crystolecules that are typically:
 +
* a bit bigger
 +
* also functional in nature not just structural
 +
* not monolithic
 +
* do feature irreversibly enclosed moving parts
 +
* may involve pick and place post assembly (from constituent crystolecules) at the next higher assembly level
  
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[Todo: telescoptc rods; joints; hinges .... ball joints -> issues lack of ball curvature?]
+
Generally crystolecules and [[crystolecular unit]]s will be made from [[gemstone like compound]]s. <br>
 +
One subclass already investigated a bit in molecular detail are the [[crystolecular unit]]s made from [[diamondoid like compound]].
 +
Specifically some ones made from [[diamond]] and [[moissanite]] where investigated.  
 +
See: '''[[Examples of diamondoid molecular machine elements]].'''
  
−
== Sets ==
+
== Diamondoid molecular (structural and machine) elements – Term introduction and  definition ==
  
−
=== Minimal set of compatible DMMEs  ===
+
Let's use:
 +
* Diamondoid molecular structural elements (DM'''S'''Es) for structural ones of all sizes including beside small ones also bigger ones
 +
* Diamondoid molecular machine elements (DM'''M'''Es) for functional ones that are typically bigger in size
 +
* Diamondoid molecular elements (DMEs) for structures of all sized including both of the former
 +
* ("Diamondoid" can be replaced by "Gemoid" to include more general gemstone like compounds like e.g. [[sapphire]])
  
−
In electric circuits there is one topological and three kinds of basic passive elements.<br>
+
Examples:
−
Adding an active switching element one can create a great class of circuits. <br>
+
* On this wiki: [[Examples of diamondoid molecular machine elements]]
−
'''0) fork node; 1) capacitors; 2) inductors; 3) resistors'''
+
* (DM'''M'''Es) ([http://www.zyvex.com/nanotech/visuals.html examples]) like e.g. bearings and gears have completely passivated surfaces.
 +
* (DM'''S'''Es) ([http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:13786 example]) these are typically only partially passivated. They can expose multiple radicals on some of their surfaces that act as [[positional atomic precision|AP]] [[surface interfaces|welding interfaces]] to complementary surfaces. The assembly step of connecting [[surface interfaces]] is here called "[[seamless covalent welding]]" and is done in the next higher assembly level ([[assembly levels|assembly level II]]?). [[Seamless covalent welding]] it usually is irreversible but sparsely linking versions may be reversible.
  
−
Those passive elements have a direct correspondences in rotative or reciprocating mechanics namely: <br>
+
== Delineation – what crystolecules must not be confused with ==
−
'''0) planetary or differential gearbox [*]; 1) springs; 2) inertial masses; 3) friction elements''' <br>
+
−
[*] and analogons for reciprocating mechanics
+
  
−
But there are limits to the electric-mechanic analogy. Some mechanic elements often differ significantly from their electric counterparts in their qualitative behavior.
+
Crystolecules must not be confused with crystals out of folded up polypeptide molecules aka proteins (that are made today to find the locations of their constituent atoms). <br>To emphasize the distinction one could use the term "covalent crystolecules".
−
Two examples of elements  quite different in behaviour are:
+
−
* transistors & locking pins
+
−
* transformers & gearboxes
+
  
−
With creating a set of standard sizes of those elements and a modular building block system to put them together
+
= Related =
−
creating rather complex systems can be done in a much shorter time. <br>
+
−
Like in electronics one can first create a schematics and subsequently the board.
+
−
+
−
'''To do:''' Create a minimal set of minimal sized DMMEs for rotative nanomechanics.
+
−
Modular housing structures standard bearings and standard axle redirectioning are also needed.
+
  
−
'''To investigate:''' how can reciprocating mechanics be implemented considereng the [[passivation bending issue]]
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* '''[[Terminology for parts]]'''
−
 
+
* For components at different size scales see: [[Components]]
−
= Diamondoid molecular structural elements =
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* [[Stroboscopic illusion in crystolecule animations]]
−
 
+
* [[Example crystolecules]]
−
[[File:Wiki-tetrapod-openconnects-black-135.png|frame| An example of a diamondoid molecular structural element (DMSE). The bright red spots are open bonds.]]
+
* [[nanoparticle]]s
−
 
+
* [[In place assembly]]
−
==sets==
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* putting molecule-fragments together to crystolecules [[Mechanosynthesis core]]
−
 
+
* putting crystolecules together to microcomponents [[Crystolecule assembly robotics]]
−
* standardized building block systems
+
-----
−
* housing structures
+
* [[Mechanical circuit element]]s
−
* standard corner pieces connecting the various crystallographic planes
+
-----
−
* in edge passivation with hydrogen can be problematic
+
Terms for bigger assemblies of several [[crystolecules]] but not yet as big (and disassemblable) as [[microcomponents]]
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* issue of non androgynous [[surface interfaces|sinterfaces]]
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* [[Diamondoid crystolecular machine element]] – diamond like structure – See: [[Diamondoid]]
−
* brackets for sub bond length positioning [[http://www.foresight.org/Updates/Update10/Update10.3.html]]
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* [[Crystolecular machine element]] – more general gemstone like structure – See: [[gemstone like compound]]
−
* standard pipe and channel segments - the [[passivation bending issue]] is of relevance
+
-----
−
 
+
* assembled from [[molecule fragments]]
−
= Molecular transport elements =
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* assembled to [[crystolecular element]]s
−
 
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* assembly is typically irreversible
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Elements that create one dimensional structures for the logistic transport of different media are a bit of a
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cross between machine elements and structural elements.
+
−
 
+
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== data transmission ==
+
−
 
+
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For transmission of data in Nanosystems [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polyyne polyyine] rods where proposed.
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−
They constitute the thinnest physically possible rod manufacturable and consist out of sp hybridized carbon which must be [[mechanosynthesis|mechanosynthesizable]] for their construction which goes beyond minimal necessary capabilities.
+
−
Handling of sp carbon is involved in already analyzed [[tooltip chemistry]] though and thus likely to be available.
+
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Polyyne rods obviously are rather susceptible to radiation damage thus it might be wise to use chains of benzene rings which are more stable.
+
−
With the first few additional ring widths the event of non self healing catastrophic damage becomes drastically more unlikely per unit of time. ['''Todo''': calculate estimations]
+
−
Still two of those ribbons like to fuse under UV irradiation (see: [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anthracene anthracene])
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Going to cyclohexan chains and bigger diamondoid rods makes the surface a lot more bumpy and the housings a lot more bulky.
+
−
 
+
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== energy transmission ==
+
−
 
+
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For power transmission strained shell near cylindrical diamondoid axles are a good possibility reciprocative movement may be better for high power densities.
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−
 
+
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== heat transport ==
+
−
 
+
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For thermal drain water works well because of its very high heat capacity. To drastically reduce friction one should pass it around enclosed in diamond pellets to get it in either one needs to use very high pressure (sealing might be difficult; thermal conductance may suffer) or the insides are made hydrophobic by adding -OH insted of -H surface terminations. In the latter case mechanosynthetic oxygen placement capabilities are needed which go beyond minimal necessary capabilities. Pipes are easily creatable but work better at the macroscale.
+
−
It may be possible to use the phase trasition ice water to keep the the factory at constant tempertaure but note that superclean water (that occurs as waste see below) does not necessarily freeze when supercooled and the melting point might be significantly altered in small possibly hydrophobic encapsulation.
+
−
 
+
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== raw material supply ==
+
−
 
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For supply of solvated raw material the same method as for the cooling solvent can be used.
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−
 
+
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== waste removal ==
+
−
 
+
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A waste that always occurs at a low rate comes from oxidation of excess hydrogen - atomically clean water.
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Water can be drained via pipes or enclosed in pellets [more investigation of existing literature needed]
+
−
 
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Beside that depending on how much self repair capability is included
+
−
waste can be constituted out of shunned microcomponents because they are irreparable or likely to be broken or dirt contaminated.
+
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(see: "[[microcomponent tagging]]") or out of dysfunctional DMEs caused by assembly errors. ...
+
−
 
+
−
= General properties of DMEs =
+
−
 
+
−
To get a better picture how DMEs behave mechanically
+
−
and in general how everything else behaves at this size range
+
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one can '''look at the [[scaling laws]]''' which describe how physical quantities scale with size.
+
−
 
+
−
DMEs with carbon, silicon carbide or silicon as core material can be can have internal structure like
+
−
* diamond / [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lonsdaleite lonsdaleite]
+
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* or other possibly strained [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sp3_bond#sp3_hybrids sp<sup>3</sup>] configurations.
+
−
Due to the lack of defects the [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ultimate_tensile_strength ultimate tensile strength] of larger DMEs lies above diamond of thermodynamic origin.
+
−
 
+
−
== Strained shell structures ==
+
−
 
+
−
To form cylindrical or helical structures with high to maximal rotational symmetries for their size (good axles for [[superlubrication]]) one usually constructs wedge shaped segments and put them together until they naturally turn around 360 degree. Bending can be induced from internal structure or surface passivation (since passivation atoms haven't got the exact same bond length like the internal atoms, see: [[passivation bending issue]]).
+
−
If 360° are exactly met the structures bending results from internal unstrained structure the whole structure is unstrained - a goal to aim for. If not bending to a strained shell is required.
+
−
For thin tubes of high diameter a completely unstrained lattice of the used diamondoid material can be bent around.
+
−
A note on bending tools can be found on the "[[mechanosynthesis]]" page.
+
−
 
+
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Spheres are rather rather hard to approximate. [to investigate: feasability of ball joints]
+
−
 
+
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== VdW sticking ==
+
−
 
+
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[Todo: add calculation of how much surface is needed to securely overcome the characteristic thermal energy  (100kT?) -- to locking mechanisms?? -- techlevel I related too ...] <br>
+
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[Todo: link to force estimation]
+
−
 
+
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== Acceleration tolerance ==
+
−
 
+
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[Todo: add calculation of a block on a neck model - for "intuitive" understanding]
+
−
 
+
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High tolerance to accelerations (and possibly slow building speeds) may seduce one to build very filigree structures.
+
−
Especially nanofactories will have lots of vacuum filled free space inside.
+
−
Since the structures still can be crushed by external pinching forces
+
−
one should - to avoid health hazards and waste production - always design with prevention measures for [[sharp edges and splinters]] in mind.
+
  
 
= External links =
 
= External links =
  
 +
At K. Eric Drexlers website:
 +
* [http://e-drexler.com/p/04/02/0315bearingDiag.html A shaft in a sleeve can form a rotary bearing]
 +
* [http://e-drexler.com/p/04/03/0323bearingDesigns.html Sleeve bearings have been designed and modeled in atomic detail] (here shown minus the stroboscopic illusion)
 +
----
 +
* [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Structural_element structural elements]
 +
* [//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Machine_element machine elements]
 
* [http://www.iberchip.net/iberchip2006/ponencias/86.pdf Design of Nanomachines using NanoEngineer-1]
 
* [http://www.iberchip.net/iberchip2006/ponencias/86.pdf Design of Nanomachines using NanoEngineer-1]
 +
* "Nanomachines: How the Videos Lie to Scientists" [https://web.archive.org/web/20160322114752/http://metamodern.com/2009/02/10/nanomachines-how-the-videos-lie-to-scientists/ (archive)] [http://metamodern.com/2009/02/10/nanomachines-how-the-videos-lie-to-scientists/ (old dead link)]
 +
* without stroboscopic illusion: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RosHyQUw5jI  Molecular dynamics simulation of small bearing design]
 +
* [http://www.somewhereville.com/?p=82 A Low-Friction Molecular Bearing Assembly Tutorial, v1]
 +
 +
[[Category:Technology level III]]

Latest revision as of 08:38, 3 July 2022

Here is a rather small structural diamondoid crystolecule with some bonds (brighter red) intentionally left open/dangling/unpassivated. A crystolecule fragment. Such surface interfaces can be fused together via seamless covalent welding in the second assembly level and perhaps higher assembly levels.
A proposed acetylene sorting pump. This is a larger diamondoid machine element (DME). Possibly assembled from several pre-produced smaller diamondoid crystolecules. The frame is one big monolithic crystolecule (it may be fused togehter via seamless covalent welding during assembly). Other parts are smaller independent crystolecules that may be mechanosynthesized fully passivated as a whole and integrated as a whole without any seamless welding.

Gemstone-like molecular elements (GMEs) here also called crystolecules are parts of machine elements and structural elements at the lowermost physical size limit. They are produced via piezochemical mechanosynthesis and are often highly symmetrical. Gemstone-like molecular elements are the basic building blocks in gemstone metamaterial technology.

Base material

Gemstone-like compounds are the most suitable base material for crystolecules. Beside classical gemstones like diamond other semi-precious minerals including bio-minerals that are synthesizable in solution also fall under gemstone-like compounds. These may be accessible earlier in semi advanced precursor technologies.

Use of pure metals and metal alloys is rather unsuitable for crystolecules.

  • Metallic bonds with free electron gas are not directed like covalent bonds.
  • Metal atoms on metal surfaces tend to diffuse away from where they have been deposited. Especially on surfaces.

Crystolecules are:

Given their nanoscale gemstone like nature unfortunately crystolecules and their assemblies crystollecular (machine) elements cannot be produced yet (state 2015..2021).

A subclass of gemstone-like compounds are diamond like compounds. (For a disambiguation see: Diamondoid)
Accordingly a subclass of gemstone-like molecular elements are diamondoid molecular elements.

Beware of the stroboscopic illusion

well animated bearing
The fast thermal vibrations are more realistically blurred out. The remaining localized periodic average deformations (visible here if one looks closely) are highly reversible. (See page abbout "superlubrication".) 		badly animated bearing
The present stroboscopic effect can be misleading in that friction is likely to be grossly overestimated. It deceivingly looks like as if the operating speed would be close to the speed of the thermal vibration. If that where the case it indeed would cause massive friction (strong coupling of motions with similar frequency).
DMME - bearing with blurred out fast vibrations
DMME - bearing with misleading stroboscopic effect

Simulated DMEs often show a misleading stroboscopic effect which can make one believe that the operation frequencies lie near the thermal frequencies, giving the false impression of enormously high friction but actually the contrary is true.
See: "Friction in gem-gum technology" and "Superlubrication".

Gemstone like molecular machine elements with sliding interfaces will work exceptionally well. (See: Superlubricity)
There is both experimental evidence and theoretical evidence for that.
(See e.g.: Evaluating the Friction of Rotary Joints in Molecular Machines (paper) and the friction analysis in Nanosystems)

Nomenclature

Since the here described physical objects have no official name yet (2016..2021)
something sensible must be invented to refer to them in this wiki.

"Crystolecules" – Term introduction and definition

These objects are somewhat of a cross between a crystal and a molecule.
So let's use the term "crystolecule".
This is nice because it's:

  • quite accurate in descriptiveness
  • quite conveniently usable in natural language
  • quite memorably (catchy) because it seems unusual (clickbait effect)

Specificall lets use the term "crystolecule" for ones that are typically are:

  • small – stiff – minimal
  • structural
  • monolithic (like illustrated)
  • do (typically) not yet feature irreversibly enclosed moving parts – (no form closure yet – there may be exceptions)
  • are assembled purely at the first assembly level by piezochemical mechanosynthesis (direct in place assembly)

Crystolecular units

See main page: Crystolecular unit

These are bigger assemblies of basic structural crystolecules.
Assembled from crystolecules either via seamless covalent welding or Van der Waals force sticking and/or shape closing interlocking

Let's use a different name for crystolecules or assemblies of crystolecules that are typically:

  • a bit bigger
  • also functional in nature not just structural
  • not monolithic
  • do feature irreversibly enclosed moving parts
  • may involve pick and place post assembly (from constituent crystolecules) at the next higher assembly level

Generally crystolecules and crystolecular units will be made from gemstone like compounds.
One subclass already investigated a bit in molecular detail are the crystolecular units made from diamondoid like compound. Specifically some ones made from diamond and moissanite where investigated. See: Examples of diamondoid molecular machine elements.

Diamondoid molecular (structural and machine) elements – Term introduction and definition

Let's use:

  • Diamondoid molecular structural elements (DMSEs) for structural ones of all sizes including beside small ones also bigger ones
  • Diamondoid molecular machine elements (DMMEs) for functional ones that are typically bigger in size
  • Diamondoid molecular elements (DMEs) for structures of all sized including both of the former
  • ("Diamondoid" can be replaced by "Gemoid" to include more general gemstone like compounds like e.g. sapphire)

Examples:

Delineation – what crystolecules must not be confused with

Crystolecules must not be confused with crystals out of folded up polypeptide molecules aka proteins (that are made today to find the locations of their constituent atoms).
To emphasize the distinction one could use the term "covalent crystolecules".

Related

Terms for bigger assemblies of several crystolecules but not yet as big (and disassemblable) as microcomponents

External links

At K. Eric Drexlers website:

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