With advances in medicine and biotechnology, the demand for safe, efficient and economical biopreservation methods is increasing at an unprecedented rate. An alternative method for stabilization and storage is vitrification. In this process the biological material to be preserved is embedded in a carbohydrate glass. Currently, in collaboration with the Department of Microbiology we are focused on stabilizing and preserving the electricity producing bacteria (Geobacter Sulfurreducens) at ambient temperatures. The project involves development and characterization of the biopreservation solution and establishing the thermodynamic stabilization criteria for sucessful storage. It also involves exploring the desiccation and vitrification induced damage mechanisms in Geobacter Sulfurreducens. (Professor Alptekin Aksan)
The use of thermal therapy to treat Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH) and cancer is growing, but there is concern over the lack of long term durability and efficacy data. More work is needed to define and to extend the edge of the thermal lesion in vivo. This project will involve the culture and growth of BPH and/or cancer within a nude mouse model. The BPH or cancer tissue will then be treated in vitro and in vivo to establish thresholds of injury and the mechanisms of cell death after controlled exposures to high and low temperatures. This project will involve heat transfer measurement and modeling, cell and tissue culture, intravital and fluorescent microscopy, image analysis and various physiological measuring devices. In addition, preliminary work is underway to use nanoparticles to help deliver drugs which can augment and help control the thermal lesion. Biodistribution and imaging of the nanoparticle delivery are also possible areas of emphasis for an UG working alongside Post Doc of PhD students in the lab. (Professor John
Bischof)
Medical
Device Design Projects
A series of design projects that relate to the application of design theory and product development strategies to the creation of medical devices and instruments are likely available. Students will have the opportunity to work with surgeons, other medical professionals and graduate students in engineering in a chosen project in either dentistry, orthopedics, cardiology, ophthalmology, sports sciences, rehabilitation, urology or neurology. These projects will involve working with a team to conceptualize, design, build and test a medical device or instrument. (Professor Arthur
G. Erdman)
Rehabilitation Engineering Projects
The Human/Machine Design lab works in a wide range of areas related to muscle mechanics, medical devices, and the development of assistive technology for people with disabilities. Students will work on a new or ongoing design and development project in this area. Students should have an interest in analysis-based design, prototyping and interacting with physicians (in the case of medical devices) or with users of assistive devices. (Professor William
Durfee)
Cell Graft Engineering using Microfludics
Hematopoietic cells grafts have become the standard of care for a wide range of diseases. Traditional methods of stem cell cryopreservation use dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) as a cryoprotective agent and cell grafts are routinely thawed at the patient bedside and infused directly. The clinical toxicity resulting from the infusion of DMSO into humans is well documented. Removal of DMSO using centrifugation or automated cell washers typically results in a 25-30% cell loss. We propose a new paradigm for processing of post-thaw cell suspensions: the use of microfluidic devices. We hypothesize that microfluidic devices can be used to wash such suspensions effectively while minimizing cell losses (Professor Allison Hubel).
Nanoparticle Facilitated Transport
Nanoparticle/cell interactions are important for a variety of applications including drug delivery and health affects of nanoparticles. We are interested in characterizing the kinetics of nanoparticle/cell interactions via an active intracellular transport mechanism. We will use surface modified quantum dots to visualize attachment and internalization of nanoparticles. The ability to target cells, quantify and optimize uptake can be used for the diagnosis of cancer and to monitor the progress of treatment. For the purpose of this investigation, we will use breast cancer as a model system and we will target breast cancer cells expressing specific growth factor receptors (Professor Allison Hubel).
Carbon Nanotube Sensors for Clinical Breath Analysis
The conductivity of carbon nanotube thin films is sensitive to carbon dioxide concentration, humidity, temperature and concentrations of a number of other gases. This project focuses on developing a sensor that can selectively measure humidity, temperature and concentrations of carbon dioxide and oxygen. Such sensors have a number of applications in disease monitoring and diagnosis using breath analysis. (Professor Rajamani)
Passive Wireless MEMS Sensors for Biomedical Applications
This project focuses on the development of a passive wireless communication strategy to transmit data from MEMS sensors. The main challenges in the task are battery-less operation while communicating over a reasonable distance and transmission of data with acceptable resolution. The proposed sensors have a number of biomedical applications, including their use on a micro-robot for in vivo diagnostic applications. Such micro robots can be used in in vivo applications that incude micro endoscopy, reopening of encumbered arterial ways and targeted release of drugs. (Professor Rajamani)
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Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power
The Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power is a $25M, 5-year, multi-university research center headquartered at the University of Minnesota. The mission of the center is to drastically improve the efficiency of fluid power saving billions of energy dollars every year and to migrate fluid power to human-scale spawning whole new applications of wearable power tools and assist devices. Several projects are available in the center including research on hydraulic hybrid vehicles, high-speed digital fluid power valves, novel light-weight hydraulic accumulators, fluid power hand tools, and a hydrostatic engine dynamometer. (Professors Will Durfee, Perry Li, Kim Stelson and Zongxuan Sun)
Design, Modeling, and Control of an Hydrostatic Dynamometer for Hybrid Vehicle Research
Traditionally automotive powertrain research and development have been conducted with electromagnetic dynamometers. The ever increasing demand for reducing fuel consumption and emissions has driven the innovation of new technologies in engines, transmissions, and hybrid systems, which in turn requires significant flexibilities and transient capabilities of the dynamometer. Given its superior power density, hydrostatic dynamometer is an ideal candidate for the next generation dynamometers. This project consists of two research subjects. One is to design and control a hydrostatic dynamometer as a precise torque device that could supply or subtract torque in real-time under both steady state and transient operations. The other is to develop a hybrid powertrain research platform where the hydrostatic dynamometer is used to mimic the drive train, vehicle load, and the alternative power source in coordination with the engine control system. This platform will enable us to evaluate different hybrid architectures and control methodologies in terms of fuel economy and emissions without actually building the system.(Professor Zonxuan Sun)
Fluid Power Ankle Orthosis Emulator
Work with a team to develop an ankle orthosis simulator to be used in gait impairment research and in clinical orthosis prescription. The emulator will have the capability, under computer control, to emulate any type of active and passive ankle orthosis, including future pneumatic and hydraulic powered orthoses. Project involves dynamic simulations, mechanical design, electronics and real-time computer control. (Professor William Durfee)
Noise and Vibration Cancellation in Hydraulic Systems
Noise and vibrations generated by oscillating components (such as pumps) are carried by fluid and structure to other part of the system. In this project, we will examine the feasibility of smart hose concept that prevents noise from propagating. The smart hose will consist of piezo-actuators and sensors for noise and vibration compensation. (Professor Perry Li)
Hydraulic Mobile Systems
This project investigates the use of hydraulics in mobile applications, especially in hydraulic hybrid passenger vehicles. Since power can flow in a mechanical and hydraulic branch, optimization and control are two important areas in this research. The student would get hands-on experience learning and working with controlling hydraulic systems, while also getting software experience in modeling and optimizing the system. The plan is for this technology to be used in commercial passenger vehicles in the future. (Professor Kim Stelson)
Engines and the Center
for Diesel Research
Professor David
Kittelson
Diesel Emission Research
Our projects involve the measurement of aerosol and gaseous emissions from Diesel and spark ignition engines. The projects focus on the interaction between renewable or traditional fuels, lubricants, engines, emission
control devices and aerosol measurement. A key question for these projects is how the instrumentation and dilution systems used to make the
measurements are influenced by the dilution and the sampling systems. Further questions relate to how the physical and chemical nature of exhaust aerosols is altered by the sampling process. The student will work with faculty and a graduate student mentor in an area that interests the student and fits within the ongoing research program.
Performance of a Second Generation Biofuel: Butanol
Most of the work on renewable fuels in the U.S. is currently focused on first generation fuels, ethanol and biodiesel. Butanol has recently been proposed as an alternative to ethanol for use as a gasoline replacement. However, we have found that it may also be an attractive diesel fuel replacement. The objective of this study will be to review the current state of butanol production and use as a fuel and to test its performance and emissions using a small diesel engine.
Plant or Animal Oil Based Biodiesel Engine Studies
Esters synthesized from vegetable oils or from animal fats make very attractive Diesel fuels. Students will measure gaseous and particle emissions from engines running on blends of these oils and Diesel fuel. The oil blend selected for study will depend upon availability and student interest. A Deere 4045 tractor engine and a VW TDI passenger car engine will be available for testing on engine dynamometers.
Nanoparticle Measurement Instrumentation
We have a number of current projects that involve the measurement of nanoparticle emissions from low emission engines running on conventional fuels and biofuels. An ongoing problem with such measurements is diluting and sampling the exhaust in a way that simulates what happens in the atmosphere. This project would involve detailed characterization of one of these dilution and sampling systems. The student would work aerosols from standard particle generators and from engines using state of the art instruments for measuring nanoparticle size and concentration.
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Design and Manufacturing
Design of NOvA Neutrino Detector Modules
Neutrinos are sub-atomic particles at the frontier of modern physics. This project involves the mechanical design of a massive liquid detector for sensing neutrinos. Specifically, we are designing nearly 25,000 large plastic liquid filled modules which must remain servicable for at least 15 years. We seek someone who is interested in testing prototype modules and assembly procedures and who enjoys computer aided design. (Professor Thomas R. Chase)
Haptic control of hydraulic robot
In order to harness the large force and high power capabilities of machines, such as a hydraulic robot, in cluttered environments, a natural control interface with human that can both command the robot to execute the desired motion and that enables the human to feel what the robot’s environment is needed. In this project, we would adapt and extend computer gaming approaches to the control of high powered hydraulic robots. Students who are adept in computing games are especially encouraged to participate in this project. (Professor Perry Li)
Sensor-less position sensing for solenoid actuators
Solenoids are commonly used for actuating valve spools. To control the actuator position accurately, position sensors such as LVDTs are often used for feedback. To remove sensor cost, this project will explore sensorless approaches for sensing actuator position that makes use of the electrical (electromagnetic) properties of the solenoid to infer the actuator position. (Professor Perry Li)
Wireless MEMS Sensors for Automotive Applications
A new class of MEMS sensors that measure tire tread deflections are being developed in this project. The new MEMS sensors are piezoelectric and will interface with surface acoustic wave devices to enable wireless operation. Appropriately mounted piezo sensors can be used to measure local vertical, lateral and longitudinal deflections of the tire. As the embedded piezo devices move through the contact patch of the rotating tire, the deflections in the contact patch are recorded and used to calculate the vertical, lateral and longitudinal forces on the tire as well as the longitudinal slip and the slip angle of the tire. The peak value of the deflection profile in the contact patch together with a tire model can then be used to calculate the tire-road friction coefficient. The proposed tire sensors will be pssive wireless devices i.e. they will be able to transmit data wirelessly from the tires without the need for embedded batteries. (Professor Rajamani)
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Nanotechnology
Solar Production of Hydrogen with a Two-Step Water-splitting Thermochemical Cycle
The student on this project will conduct experiments in a new facility for solar hydrogen production via a two-step water-splitting thermochemical cycle based on zinc oxide/zinc redox reactions. This project focuses on a novel combined process for the hydrolysis step, which has been identified as one of the major challenges to implementation. The process encompasses the formation of zinc nanoparticles followed by their in-situ hydrolysis for hydrogen generation. (Professor Jane Davidson)
Modeling the Structural Properties of Silicon Nanoparticles
Silicon nanoparticles are of tremendous technological interest since they exhibits distinct properties, such as emission of light. The student on this project will perform accurate atomistic simulations involving nanoparticles of different shapes and sizes. The goal is to understand the intimate connection between the structural and surface properties of silicon
nanoparticles and their optical emission spectra. (Professor Traian Dumitrica)
Photovolatics Research Using Semiconductor Quantum Dots
The world's need of carbon-free energy is estimate to growth by 2050 to 15 Terawatt of electrical power, the equivalent of 15,000 nuclear reactors. Providing this much clean energy could be achieved, in principle, by installing 20 square-kilometers of 20%-efficient solar cells every day for the next 43 years. Unfortunately, solar electricity is currently by about a factor of 10 more expensive then electricity from burning fossil fuels. Kortshagen's group works on new photovolatic techniques using quantum dots--small semiconductor crystals in the nanometer-size-range. The REU project will involve synthesizing such quantum dots with nonthermal plasmas, characterizing them with a range of microstructrual techniques, and integrating them into photovoltaic devices.
(Professor Uwe
Kortshagen)
Engineered Nanoparticles for Biomedical Applications
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are currently the subject of intense study for medical applications. Magnetic nanoparticles show promise as contrast-enhancing agents for cancer detection using magnetic resonance imaging, as miniaturized heaters capable of killing malignant cells by application of an alternating magnetic field, and as targeted drug delivery vehicles. Engineering the nanoparticles for these applications involves several steps. The student on this project will focus on one of these steps, the deposition of a thin silica film that coats the magnetic nanoparticle core. This film improves biocompatibility, reduces agglomeration, and serves as a substrate for subsequent processing that attaches organic ligands that target the particle to attach to specific cells, e.g. cancer cells. To grow the silica film we use a method we developed in our laboratory, UV photo-assisted chemical vapor deposition. (Professor Steven
L. Girshick)
Highly Sensitive Micro Sensors Fabricated with Micro/Nanomanufacturing
This project is to combine the "bottom-up" nano self-assembly and the "top-down" micromanufacturing techniques for the development of highly sensitive sensors. In this project, the student will use ANSYS software to implement sensor simulation and design. In the meantime, the student may work on the layer-by-layer nano assembly, which is a very hot topic in nanotechnology. (Professor Tianhong Cui)
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Thermal
Sciences
Basic Free Convection Research
Topics in free convection are focused on fundamental transport process in porous and particulate media, fractured solids, metal foams, and foam-like structural materials. Measurement of heat transfer coefficients embedded in these materials is the goal, and research will focus on design, construction and use of specially constructed laboratory experiments. (Professor Frank Kulacki)
Micro-channel Flow and Heat Transfer
Research on micro channel flow concerns single phase and two-phase forced convection in flat channels and multi-channel arrays with hydraulic diameters of 100 microns or less. Multi-component and dispersed phase fluids are also considered. Research topics can range from fluid management systems to measurement of local heat transfercoefficients. Of particular interest for this year's REU research will be characterization and visualization of incipient nucleate boiling for multi-component fluids with different saturation temperatures and pressures. (Professor Frank Kulacki)
Condensation Heat Transfer
Research on condensation heat transfer will involve the effect of non-condensable gases on the condensation of fluorocarbon heat transfer fluids, such as the 3M FC series of fluids. Recently completed experimental research has opened up two needs in this topical area: (a)measurement of local and average heat transfer coefficients and (b) visualization of the condensation process at the droplet level. Research work will involve design, construction and use of specially constructed laboratory experiments. (Professor Frank Kulacki)
Fluid Mechanics and
Heat Transfer in Gas Turbines:
The High Pressure Turbine
To raise the efficiency of gas turbines for power and propulsion, the temperature of the working fluid entering the turbine is held at the highest value that durability limits of the engine will allow. Thus, for thermal protection with high gas temperatures, more clever cooling schemes must be devised. To do so, a better understanding of the flow and heat transfer must be obtained. In this lab, we are measuring the effect of contouring the turbine passage for secondary flow reduction and looking at the cooling benefits that purge flow, introduced for other reasons, may have. The REU student will work with a team to conduct experiments in support of advanced thermal design. (Professor Terry Simon)
The Low-Pressure Turbine
The low pressure turbine is one of the heaviest components of an aircraft engine. To keep it small, each airfoil is very highly loaded (aerodynamically). When the craft is at altitude, the effects of viscosity will prevent the highly loaded turbine airfoils from deriving work from the flow as designed, and as they did under take-off conditions. We are investigating an actuator which can be employed to keep the flow turbulent on the low pressure turbine surface for enhanced aerodynamic performance. The REU student will work with a team to conduct experiments in support of the actuator design and implementation. (Professor Terry Simon)
Modeling and Simulation of Gas-Particle Dynamics in Virtual Sorbent Beds
On March 15, 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued the Clean Air Mercury Rule to permanently cap and reduce mercury emissions from coal-fired power plants. The virtual sorbent bed (VSB) is a relatively new concept (for filters) that has the potential to become a cost-effective means to clean up effluent species. VSBs remove mercury vapor from flue gas by facilitating condensation on micron-sized carbon particles. However, VSB technology is in an early stage of development and not yet ready for industrial applications. The effects of particle entrainment (and subsequent dynamics) and fluid-particle interactions on the removal of the effluent species is a complex one. For example, in the presence of such gas-particle slip, higher rates of gas-particle mass transfer are possible by convection. Yet, because the particles remain entrained within the flowing gas, they effectively present none of the fluid pressure drop of a fixed sorbent bed. Understanding these and other phenomena is key for the successful technological development and adoption of VSBs. We are developing a numerical tool that simulates the gas-particle mass transfer in turbulent flows. Our aim is to elucidate the underlying dynamics and obtain a better understanding of the gas-particle-mass transfer process in VSBs and other filter technologies. (Professor Sean Garrick)
Contact us:
John Gardner
612/625-2009
reu@me.umn.edu
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