Opto-mechanical scanners with Risley prisms (double optical wedges) are one of the most used scanning systems for applications that range from micromechanical endoscope probes to large optics for satellite positioning. The paper presents an exact modelling of the scan patterns produced using such systems, in a dedicated program for mechanical design-CATIA V5R20. This approach utilizes the characteristic parameters of scanners with Risley prisms: the ratio of the rotation velocities of the two wedges M = x 2 /x 1 and the ratio of their apex k = h 2 /h 1 . The advantages of this method with regard to analytical solutions and with regard to approximate methods are pointed out. The similarities of this exact modelling of this type of scanners with the theory of mechanisms are highlighted. An experimental part validates the theoretical results. Driving solutions at the precision level required by these devices are presented.

We present our experience regarding the establishing of an interdisciplinary group with Optics as one of its main topic at the Aurel Vlaicu University of Arad (UAVA) -linked with the improvement through research of our educational activities. The 3OM Group (in Opto-Mechatronics, Optical Metrology, and Optics & Mechanics) is described in its evolution from optomechanics to photonics, the latter with a focus on OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography) -with the national and the international collaborations established, with universities from Romania, Europe and USA. While the research directions of the 3OM Group are presented, they are linked with the educational components implemented in the various subjects we teach, for both undergraduate and graduate students, both in Mechanical and in Electrical Engineering. The main effort is to integrate education and research, to move teaching beyond the classical aspects to put the stress on hands-on-experiments, as well as on research-based activities -even with undergraduates. The main goals of this approach are to obtain an early orientation towards innovation and discovery, with a taste for novelties and with a clear focus on international standards. While this account is only one of many, it offers our experience in passing through the difficulties of developing both research and education in Optics in a young university in an emergent economy in Eastern Europe.

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The paper deals with the way in which certain metallic non-reversibly deformed parts could be employed in developing shock absorbers for railway vehicles. The study is based on experimental tests using the same type of parts deformed at speeds with ranging between 0.04mm/s and 5,800mm/s. The aim of the present study is to determine whether there is a dependency, for the type of parts subjected to the tests, between the characteristics F=f(d) measured in quasi-static regime and those measured in dynamic regime. The study has applications in highlighting how the F=f(d) of a structure, measured through tests concluded in static regime, can be used to evaluate the behavior of the same structure in dynamic regime.