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Full-Text Articles in Materials Science and Engineering

Nano- And Micro-Structured Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogels For Rapidly Responsive Devices, Qi Lu Jul 2020

Nano- And Micro-Structured Temperature-Sensitive Hydrogels For Rapidly Responsive Devices, Qi Lu

Doctoral Dissertations

This thesis aims to extend the understanding and explore the application of temperature-responsive hydrogel systems by integrating microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). Stimuli-responsive hydrogel systems are immensely investigated and applied in numerous fields, and interfacing with micro- and nano-fabrication techniques will open up more possibilities. In Chapter 2, the first biologically relevant, in vitro cell stretching device based on hydrogel surface instability was developed. This dynamic platform is constructed by embedding micro-heater devices under temperature-responsive surface-attached hydrogels. The fast and regional temperature change actuates the stretching and relaxation of the seeded human artery smooth muscle cell (HASMC) via controllable surface creasing instability. …


Characterizing Non-Linear Structural, Mechanical, And Volumetric Properties Of Aliphatic And Aromatic Thermosets, Brendan Robert Ondra May 2020

Characterizing Non-Linear Structural, Mechanical, And Volumetric Properties Of Aliphatic And Aromatic Thermosets, Brendan Robert Ondra

Doctoral Dissertations

A unifying theme throughout this dissertation employs advanced experimental mechanics, including the design and development of new instruments, testing techniques, and analysis strategies. Chapter 1 covers the design and development of a new instrument for polymer and composite characterization. More specifically, a bi-fluidic, confining-fluid, pressurizable dilatometer (referred to herein as the BFCF-PVT). Whereas both classical and contemporary confining-fluid type pressurizable dilatometers utilize a bellows and / or piston system along with a Linear Variable Displacement Transducer to apply pressure and track volume changes, the BFCF-PVT that was designed and built utilizes a fluid-fluid interface (composed of two immiscible fluids that …


Surface Driven Flows : Liquid Bridges, Drops And Marangoni Propulsion, Samrat Sur Mar 2020

Surface Driven Flows : Liquid Bridges, Drops And Marangoni Propulsion, Samrat Sur

Doctoral Dissertations

Molecules sitting at a free liquid surface against vacuum or gas have weaker binding than molecules in the bulk. The missing (negative) binding energy can therefore be viewed as a positive energy added to the surface itself. Since a larger area of the surface contains larger surface energy, external forces must perform positive work against internal surface forces to increase the total area of the surface. Mathematically, the internal surface forces are represented by surface tension, defined as the normal force per unit of length. One common manifestation of surface tension is the difference in pressure it causes across a …