New Type of Fatigue Discovered in Silicon 108
Invisible Pink Unicorn writes "Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have discovered a phenomenon long thought not to exist. They have demonstrated a mechanical fatigue process that eventually leads to cracks and breakdown in bulk silicon crystals. Silicon — the backbone of the semiconductor industry — has long been believed to be immune to fatigue from cyclic stresses because of the nature of its crystal structure and chemical bonds. However, NIST examination of the silicon used in microscopic systems that incorporate tiny gears, vibrating reeds and other mechanical features reveals stress-induced cracks that can lead to failure. This has important implications for the design of new silicon-based micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) devices that have been proposed for a wide variety of uses. The article abstract is available from Applied Physics Letters."
Is it just me? (Score:5, Funny)
especially if you smoke it (Score:2, Funny)
I can agree with this. In my personal experience, crack inevitably leads to failure.
Re:Is it just me? (Score:3, Funny)
But, now that you're thinking (alluding to breasts/mothers' milk; or rampantly-chewing boys or men on females) "siliCONE", why not think these?:
"New Type of Fatigue in Silicon ALLEY, or"
"New Type of Fatigue (CastroEderItis) RE-Discovered in Castro District"?
"New Type of Parking Discovered in Rear" (More Parking in Rear)...
Such a lovely day...for gags... ummm chokes... umm JOKES...
Re:Is it just me? (Score:4, Funny)
oh well... a more expensive alternative (Score:2, Funny)
Re:Is it just me? (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Related title (Score:3, Funny)
Got news for you, it's everywhere. I've got stress fatigue from converting SQL scripts.
Re:Is it just me? (Score:1, Funny)
My first thought was of poor Marvin (Score:3, Funny)
Oh noes! (Score:2, Funny)
Re:oh well... a more expensive alternative (Score:3, Funny)