UMSS20 Engineering and Information
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0502.* Exploration of potential correlation between the fractal dimension of microcalcification clusters and number of disrupted tissue regions in mammograms of tumorous…
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Betelham Abay, Andre Khalil. Mentor(s): Professor Andre Khalil.
0504.* Design and Fabrication of a Lower-Limb Biofeedback Device
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Jacob Girgis. Mentor(s): Babak Hejrati.
Abstract: In older adults, over time, gait abnormalities can lead to limitations in mobility, which are associated with loss of independence, substantially reduced quality of life, increased fall risk, and even hospitalization. Traditionally, patients would go to physical therapists to receive feedback for and training on their gait. However, with wireless sensors and embedded computers becoming more affordable, instead of having to go to a physical therapist, it is now possible to analyze the individual’s gait and give feedback accordingly using wearable and completely portable systems. As a means of giving feedback, we have designed a wearable apparatus that consists of 6 “haptic units” placed on 3 sides of each thigh. Each unit consists of a symmetric formation of three low-cost coin motors to trigger in the event of improper gait behavior. To give the user the freedom to walk without any constraints while wearing the device, the vibrotactile units on the thighs are connected to a Raspberry Pi 4 placed in a waist bag worn by the subject. To find the best pattern in terms of the likelihood of the user perceiving the feedback, we conducted experiments with different conditions for the number of pulses that the user receives from the vibrotactile unit and with the subjects walking at different speeds. As the final goal of this project, by using this device in tandem with inertial measurement units (IMUs) placed on the user, we will be able to offer real-time feedback for correcting and optimizing the gait of the subject.
0507. Silicon Carbide Nanowires and Thin Films for Sensing Strain and Pressure in Harsh Environments
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Hua Lin. Mentor(s): Sheila Edalatpour.
Abstract: The existence of a large piezoresistive effect in bulk and low-dimensional silicon-carbide structures is tested. The effect can be used to fabricate sensors that are able to measure pressure, temperature, and mechanical strain in harsh environments. Conventional silicon-based sensors cannot be used in high temperature, high shock environments as the piezoresistive effect for silicon reduces significantly for temperatures above 150°C. However, silicon carbide is a promising candidate as it is more chemically stable and has great electrical and mechanical properties. The piezoresistive effect can be characterized by a change in resistivity of the material when a strain is induced. However, since the piezoresistive effect is relatively low for bulk silicon carbide, we propose to analyze the sensing capabilities of silicon carbide nanowires, as these low-dimensional structures have the possibility to increase the gauge factor, and hence, the sensitivity. First-principle methods are utilized to observe the changes in resistivity by analyzing the band gap of the material under various strains. The changes in the band gap relate directly to changes in resistivity, due to the semiconducting nature of silicon-carbide. Density Functional Theory is used to computationally generate the band structures and the band gaps are plotted against relative deformations (uniaxial strain). Quantum Espresso is employed to perform the DFT calculations, which reveal that the band gap varies linearly with deformation across a certain operating range. Further analysis includes characterizing the sensitivity of the low-dimensional silicon carbide and comparing with the analysis of the bulk material.
0511. The Applications of Edge Detection to the Tissue Segmentation of Greyscale Mammograms
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Basel White, Andre Khalil. Mentor(s): Andre Khalil.
Abstract: As part of a first of its kind longitudinal breast cancer study, there are thousands of mammograms that need to be analyzed computationally. However, each mammogram needs to be converted into a binary (black or white) spatial representation in order to delineate breast tissue from the pectoral muscle and image background, which is called a mammographic mask. Due to this subtle delineation marking the transition between breast tissue and pectoral muscle, the current methodology for completing this task is for a lab member to manually trace the outline of the breast.. The time cost for completing this action would be three minutes for each of the thousands of mammograms, which vary on the number of patients and frequency of received mammograms. Thus, an automated pectoral muscle segmentation algorithm is proposed through the adaptation of a multi-scale wavelet-based edge detection previously developed and used by CompuMAINE in cell biology and satellite imagery. Using an in-house software, an automated pectoral masking algorithm was created through the development of a script to utilize Gaussian and Mexican Wavelet Transform methods to identify potential maxima chains. The most efficient chain was chosen due to its fit over the pectoral muscle and various features of the maxima chain. To then automatically create the mask, the candidate chain is overlaid onto the original grey scale mammogram upon which the tissue is segmented, and the binary mask is created. The efficiency of this automated method is measured quantitatively through the use of relevant spatial metrics and statistical analyses.
0517.* Determining the Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Sintered Lunar Regolith using Concentrated Sunlight
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Angel Loredo. Mentor(s): Justin Lapp.
Abstract: In the epoch of space exploration, technological improvements in space travel have led to recent interests to construct settlements on the Moon. Oxygen, a vital resource for spacecraft fuel and breathable air, can be harvested by reacting lunar regolith. The vast abundance of lunar regolith and its durability has prompted interest to be used for construction material. This research explores the effects of grain sizes to determine the mechanical and thermal properties of concentrated- sunlight- sintered lunar regolith. Understanding the strengths and thermal capacities of lunar regolith will aid in the development of permanent lunar settlements with breathable air.
0518. Design and Construction of a Computer Controlled Astronomical Spectropolarimeter
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Jacob Marchio. Mentor(s): Sam Hess.
Abstract: Spectroscopy is one of the main ways information about astronomical objects is obtained. A spectrograph takes the light and spreads its frequencies spatially so it can be recorded with a sensor. In addition to the spectroscopic information, the polarization state of the light can also be examined, and when both are done within the same instrument the result is a spectropolarimeter. A spectropolarimeter can detect wavelength dependence to polarization. Astronomical polarization effects can come from magnetic fields of stars, or from reflected light off of circumstellar dust grains. This project will construct an astronomical spectropolarimeter and examine the results and limitations on a small aperture (235mm) telescope. This project demonstrates a design on a limited budget using (as much as possible) off the shelf parts. This spectropolarimeter follows an uncollimated beam, rotating compensator design and a transmission diffraction grating as a dispersive element. Due to the nature of the weak signal from astronomical sources, the exposure time necessary to achieve appropriate signal to noise prohibits a continuously rotating compensator. Therefore a sampling of compensator azimuth angles must be used with compensator azimuth angle held fixed during exposure, rotating the compensator to a new azimuth between exposures. The coordination between exposure and azimuth angle is best facilitated by motorized computer control. For this project a Raspberry Pi controls the motor that rotates the compensator using a PID control structure and also coordinates camera exposure times.
0522. Integration of Electronics in Compliant Mechanisms
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Mackenzie Ladd, Brett Ellis. Mentor(s): Brett Ellis.
Abstract: Filament Deposition Modeling (FDM) is a widespread and useful additive manufacturing process to manufacture inexpensive prototypes and small quantities of geometrically-complex parts. Until recently, FDM materials were limited to electrically-insulated thermoplastics, thus preventing FDM-manufactured integrated electro-mechanical devices. This research seeks to explore the ability of FDM-manufactured integrated electro-mechanical devices capable with the recent introduction of electrically-conductive FDM filaments. To accomplish this task, a custom FDM printer was built and modified to accommodate dual extruders and a custom heated bed such that electrically-conductive thermoplastics could be printed within the same layer as insulating thermoplastics utilized for mechanical structures. Next, 100 mm by 80 mm bistable switch, developed by Brigham Young University’s advanced materials group, was modified with inlaid electrical components and manufactured and tested to determine the electro-mechanical properties. A bistable switch is the ideal device due to its simple nature, and is an excellent way to visualize what a compliant mechanism consists of, as well as providing a good structure to inlay the electronics. Results include characterization of mechanical wear due to thermal cycles, and conductivity and durability as a function of number of operating cycles. Mechanical wear will be characterized by an observation of the structure’s geometry and observing failure points. This work is significant in that integrated electronics within 3D-printed structures could dramatically reduce the time to develop new integrated circuit devices while dramatically increasing their simplicity and reliability.
0523. Imaging Zebrafish with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy using Second-Harmonic Generation to Evaluate Myosin Structure
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Jordan Miner. Mentor(s): Karissa Tilbury.
Abstract: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an incurable disease that causes weakness and loss of muscle mass, is caused by a mutation in the protein dystrophin. Sarcomeres, the foundational units of muscle contraction, are composed of thick myosin filaments. Myosin is a key protein required for proper muscle contraction and is impacted by DMD. An individual diagnosed with DMD is believed to experience hypercontraction of sarcomeres. By evaluating sarcomere length and myosin arrangement, we seek to understand the structural impacts of four different exercise regiments: endurance, hypertrophy, strength, and power on the myosin in wild-type and DMD zebrafish. Currently, confocal microscopy is used to study the two muscle fiber types: slow- and fast-twitch. However, confocal microscopy uses dyes, whereas second harmonic generation (SHG) imaging is label-free and will not distort the myosin structure. SHG microscopy is used in this study to explore spatial relationship of myosin in individual muscle fibers. Preliminary results show sarcomere length (Z-line to Z-line) of normal, wild-type zebrafish muscle fibers to be 1.83±0.08 µm. Endurance DMD sarcomere length was determined to be 1.72±0.14 µm and unexercised DMD was 1.61±0.15 µm. By comparing the wild-type sarcomere length to the sarcomere length in zebrafish with DMD, an understanding of the effect DMD has on myosin can be determined. Overall, this study will effectively combine SHG imaging with the use of zebrafish to properly evaluate myosin structure in muscle fibers, furthering our knowledge of DMD. Ultimately, this work aims to facilitate development of scientifically driven exercise routines for DMD patients.
0524. Quantifying the Mice Behaviors Using Markov Chain Analysis
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Ahmed Almaghasilah, Michael Saul. Mentor(s): Clarissa Henry.
Abstract: The diversity outbred mice behavior was observed in a hole-board assay and quantified through Mackov Chain analysis (MC). The typical mice behavior includes hiding in corners and gradually walking the perimeter of the arena. Once they find the environment is not life-threatening, they expose themselves and explore the middle of the arena. The hole-board arena is designed to hold an experiment that runs approximately 20 minutes per mouse, where the mouse is placed in the center of the arena facing the rear. The hole-board is a squared shape, clear polycarbonate arena with a dimension of 44.5cm in length and width. The floor of the arena consists of 16 infrared photobeam sensors arranged in a 4 by 4 configuration. These sensors are in the holes and record the time stamp when the mouse pokes a hole. The MC revealed they actually favor transitioning back to the middle holes more than any holes in the arena including the corners. The MC highlights abnormal activities of a mouse thus enabling us to map the phenotypes responsible for particular behaviors to a set of genes. The consecutive, repetitive and pattern “pokings” frequently infer to these abnormal activities.
0528. Surface Acoustic Waves for Cancer Biomarker Detection in Liquid Biopsies
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Joel Tewksbury, Caitlin Howell, Mauricio Periera da Cunha. Mentor(s): Caitlin Howell.
Abstract: Pancreatic cancer has a survival rate of less than 5% five years after diagnosis. This low survival rate is due to the lack of symptoms until to cancer reaches its late stages. Developing cheap, effective screening tools is a critical step in the fight against this disease. One promising method of screening is separating and identifying biomarkers in blood that are indicative of pancreatic cancer. The purpose of this project is to develop a system using surface acoustic waves (SAW) and microfluidics to separate pancreatic cancer cell components in blood. Surface acoustic waves are a relatively simple, effective, and compact method of manipulating particles in liquid. For this application, the biomarkers of specific interest are exosomes that have been released from the tumor cells. The planned setup involves pushing a blood sample through a microfluidic channel on top of a SAW device. The SAWs are generated by using an array of interdigital transducers (IDTs) that convert the electrical energy into acoustic waves on a piezoelectric crystal. These devices can be used for a variety of functions including separation, concentration, particle patterning, and particle or droplet manipulation. The SAW propagates through the material and into the fluid, exerting a force on exosomes in solution and the fluid itself. Once separated and manipulated via SAW, an attempt will be made, in collaboration with researchers at Dartmouth Medical School, to combine this process with immunomagnetic techniques to capture the exosomes, enhance the signal, and pattern them into an array for easier diagnostic testing.
0529. Finite Element Analysis of Glucose Diffusivity in Peripheral Nerve Conduits
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Nicklaus Carter, Julia Towne, David Neivandt. Mentor(s): David Neivandt.
Abstract: Peripheral neuropathy is estimated to afflict 20 million people in the United States. Most cases of neuropathy result from physical injuries and trauma arising from automobile accidents and war. Peripheral nerves have the intrinsic ability to regenerate over time, bridging the injury gap resulting from trauma. Current methods utilized to assist in the regeneration of peripheral nerves include nerve grafts and neural conduits. Nerve autografts are regarded as the most effective method but require a second surgical site to access a donor nerve or a nerve donation from another individual. Current available conduits have equal or lower success rates relative to nerve grafts with specific issues including immune response and stability insufficiencies. It has been proposed that a biocompatible material such as cellulose nanofiber may serve as a viable alternative conduit material. Preliminary studies have shown that cellulose nanofiber conduits are successful in aiding neural regeneration and further, that conduit length has an impact on efficacy in murine models; it is hypothesized that the length dependence may be related to modified diffusion distances of key cellular nutrients and waste metabolites. The present work investigates the concentration profile of a key nutrient, glucose, within the conduit. A finite element analysis of the conduit system has been established using COMSOL Multiphysics. Variations in the physical dimensions of the conduit were investigated to determine the impact on glucose concentration profiles. The resultant information is being used to aid in the development of improved conduit designs to optimize functional recovery of peripheral nerve injuries.
0530.* Surface Acoustic Wave Sensors for Static Strain Measurements
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): David Leff, Syeda Fizzah Jilani, Mauricio Pereira da Cunha. Mentor(s): Mauricio Pereira da Cunha.
Abstract: Harsh environment sensors are in high demand in numerous industrial applications such as metallurgy, oil drilling, power plants, aerospace and automobile industries for equipment design, process control, condition-based maintenance, system performance improvement, and cost reduction. Surface acoustic wave (SAW) sensors fabricated at UMaine have shown to reliably operate as temperature sensors up to 1000°C in extreme ambient conditions. For static strain sensors that must operate in harsh-environment many highly challenging aspects must be considered: (i) attachment of SAW sensor on an often-used metal surface has to address the difference in expansion coefficient between the metal and the SAW crystal substrate; (ii) stable packaging to avoid contamination and cross-sensing; and (iii) feasible sensor interrogation and data processing. Wired SAW strain sensor has been designed, fabricated and test at UMaine laboratories to obtain consistent results. However, the required fragile wire bonds and a need of hard connection make it impractical in field applications, such as power plants. In this work, both SAW wired and wireless static strain sensors, respective antennas, and packaging material have been implemented and tested in high-temperature laboratory conditions and are currently in transition for testing at UMaine steam power plant, which will be used as a testbed. Wireless SAW sensing has the potential to offer a reliable, mobile, and compact state-of-the-art solution for a robust static strain sensor system to be used in practical field applications. The outcomes of this research and development effort are expected to provide a ground-breaking static strain sensor solution for harsh environment applications.
0531.* Using liquid infusion to create anti-infection catheters
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Junie Fong, Caitlin Howell. Mentor(s): Caitlin Howell.
Abstract: Although catheterization is a very common procedure, the presence of catheter increases the risk of having urinary tract infection up to 80-100%, which causes complications such as the colonization of variety of pathogens. Current approach of treating catheter-associated urinary tract infection involves the usage of antibiotics- this is not fully effective due to the presence of biofilms that form on the surface of catheters, which would protect the pathogens from the antibiotics and the patient’s immune system. To address this problem, we have created and characterized liquid-infused silicone catheters and catheter analogs for in vivo studies of catheter-associated urinary tract infections. To standardize the infusion process, the masses of silicone tubes and mouse catheters were measured over time during silicone oil infusion. Results showed that it takes 5-6 days for human catheter-sized silicone tube to reach complete infusion, while it takes 15-20 minutes for mouse catheters. After infusion, length, outer diameter and inner diameter of both type of tubes increased, but to a different extent. In addition, infused silicone tubes showed a lower-adhesion surface to which less protein could attach. Crystal violet dye droplets were able to slide down an infused tube within 2.7s at 15°, while the droplets remained stationary on non-infused tubes held at the same tilting angle. Crystal violet dye also stained non-infused silicone tubes more than infused silicone tubes after incubation in whey protein solutions or milk, showcasing the anti-fouling properties of infused tubes. These results aid the standardization of the infusion of catheters and they are currently undergoing in vivo testing, which could contribute to the next generation of catheters that resist infection.
0532. Learning to Trust Autonomous Vehicles
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Paul D. S. Fink, Nicholas Giudice. Mentor(s): Nicholas Giudice.
Abstract: Fully Autonomous Vehicles (FAVs) represent a massive innovation to how people will interact with and navigate the world. The problem remains, however, that people simply do not trust self-driving cars, despite the improvements to safety and efficiency they represent. Although the human trust problem, as it is often referred, introduces significant barriers to consumer acceptance of FAVs, the vast majority of autonomous research has patently ignored this important human factor. To address this gap, this research facilitates trust between humans and the vehicles of the future by leveraging, and ultimately extending, a well-established strategy employed by other emerging AI technologies: human-like virtual personas. Much like Apple’s Siri and Amazon’s Alexa, which helped overcome user reluctance to AI integrated phones, homes, and workplaces, this research investigates the efficacy of using anthropomorphized AIs to overcome the human trust problem currently limiting AI integrated vehicles. This research will utilize a virtual learning platform in which users and AI personas engage in a bidirectional process of information-access for enabling human-in-the-loop collaboration. Data collection focuses on increasing trust, as measured by normalized FAV trust surveys and human biometric responses. Ultimately, results from this initial learning process will enable the study of human-AI interactions over specific spatio-temporal driving events. Outcomes of this work are predicted to provide transportation stakeholders and designers with guidelines for increasing user trust through AI personas at the wheel of FAVs, thereby paving the way for meeting human needs and saving lives through widespread user acceptance. Supported by NSF-grant CHS-1910603
0533.* Simulation of Energy Requirements for Drying Kelp in Maine
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Tuqa Al-Asadi, G.Peter van Walsum. Mentor(s): Peter Van Walsum.
Abstract: Seaweed (macroalgae) is a marine resource that has a high economic value. One of the popular seaweeds is Sugar kelp (Saccharina latissima), which is a rich source of fibers, minerals, and antioxidants. Maine state coastline is rich in sugar kelp. This seaweed has high moisture content and will spoil quickly if not preserved, therefore it has been preserved as dry product to prolong storage life and to minimize the cost for transportation. Understanding its properties as it dries is important for retaining product quality and improving shelf life through optimized post-harvest processing. A drying method using warm air will decrease moisture content and prevent high drying temperature which degrades the food quality. A first of a kind drying system with controlled temperature, air flow and exit humidity has been developed and assembled in the advanced manufacturing center (AMC) within the University of Maine. The focus of this study is examining the drying time, temperature and humidity within the drying process, the rate of drying, and energy efficiency of the process. Several approaches have been developed to model the drying dynamics of the kelp. ASPEN Plus, a chemical process simulation software, was used to model the energy costs and capacity of the drying process. The model determined the amount of seaweed throughput that could be sustained at different ambient air conditions and the energy costs of the fan and heater systems. A parallel modeling effort is using COMSOL Multiphysics computational fluid dynamics software to predict the pressure drop through the dryer.
0534.* Compact VHF and UHF Antennas for integration with SAW Devices in Harsh Environment
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Sri Lekha Srimat Kilambi, Mauricio Pereira da Cunha. Mentor(s): Mauricio Pereira da Cunha.
Abstract: A Normal Mode Helical Antenna (NMHA) is a combination of short electric dipole and short magnetic dipole. Hence, it can achieve a self-resonance but has very low radiation resistance since size of antenna is very small compared to conventional antennas used around 300MHz frequency range. One of the advantages of this model is that it can be used in complex environments and near metals. It can also have increased gain in close proximity to a metal reflecting surface. This type of antennas has been applied in tire pressure measuring system, car remote smart key and RFID tags.
In this work a NMHA is designed to operate with SAW device. The system consists of a SAW resonator operating as a sensor (temperature, strain, gas, etc.) integrated with the sensor antenna. The system is meant to operate at temperatures in the 500-900°C range. In such harsh environments, the usage of dielectrics is limited and the temperature dependence of these materials often significantly impact the antenna response, such as their frequency response. Regarding size, the SAW device operating around 300MHz is of the order of a few mm2 and thus a small antenna is desired. Close proximity to metals surfaces, a boundary condition usually encountered in harsh environment applications, poses another challenge to most antennas, and is also under investigation for the NMHA. Considering all these factors, a compact NMHA antenna has been designed, fabricated, and tested and is currently under adaptation for integration with the SAW sensor.
0535.* Multiplexed SERS Imaging in Biological Systems using Biocompatible Raman Active Nanostars
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Jeremy Grant. Mentor(s): Michael Mason.
Abstract: The objective of this study is to design a nanoparticle labeling system suited for enhanced Raman micro-spectroscopic imaging to directly probe the concentration, chemical dynamics, and spatial distribution of individual Raman active nanoprobes at nanometer length scales in biological systems. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), using specifically engineered spherical metallic nanoprobes for chemical sensing, has received considerable attention recently. It is considered a powerful alternative to fluorescence labeling, offering several advantages over traditional methods, including increased photostability, narrower emission peaks, allowing for simultaneous observation of a larger number of “channels”, and ease of bioconjugation. Unfortunately, most existing nanoparticle geometries require mean diameters on the order of 50-80 nm to provide single particle signals comparable to those observed via competitive fluorescence methods. We propose to investigate a new nanoparticle geometry based on a star-shaped architecture which shows further enhancement over spherical particles. We further propose to create 10 spectrally distinct Raman active nanostars, overcoming the channel limitations encountered using standard fluorescence labeling methods. We will also develop the enhanced software required to obtain and analyze the Raman signal data by improving the computational efficiency of our current scanning software while adding spectral multiplexing algorithms.
0540. Biohazardous Chemical Detector Suite for Firefighters
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Mary Dube, Kaitlin Stewart, Ines Khiyara, Betelhem Abay, David Neivandt. Mentor(s): David Neivandt.
Abstract: Firefighters are facing increasing mortality and morbidity rates due to exposures to biohazardous chemicals in their line of duty. However, the affordable gas detectors currently employed only detect a single hazardous chemical, leaving firefighters potentially exposed to diverse unmonitored chemical threats. While multi-sensor gas detectors are available, they are too expensive for fire departments to provide one for every on-scene firefighter. Thus, there is a need for a multi gas-sensor which alerts firefighters of danger in real time and which is less expensive than existing devices. The purpose of the current capstone project is to address the mortality and morbidity rate of firefighters due to the exposure of biohazardous chemicals in a way that does no harm and creates no interference to the user. To meet the stated needs, a multi-gas detection device was designed and built to be worn on-scene by firefighters. Device function was validated in five quantitative ways: temperature resistance of the 3D printed casing, comparison of the device grip for comfort and effectiveness against existing devices, testing of the device’s oxygen sensor, testing of the durability of the device’s concussion boot, and testing of the device’s vibrational strength and the alarm system volume. The multi-gas detection device is low in cost to build, which is a significant factor when considering the selling price for fire departments. These results demonstrate that the device, the Tunaep, is a step toward addressing the need for a safe and affordable multi-sensor gas detector.
0541. The Headset for Aviation and Life-Saving Operations (H.A.L.O.)
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Brandon Dixon, Miranda Jacques, Ryan Fairchild, Chika Nduaguibe, Michael Mason. Mentor(s): Michael Mason.
Abstract: In the event of an aircraft accident, an array of data pertaining to the mechanical and operational status of the aircraft is documented. However, the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) does not currently require that data about the health status of the pilot during flight be recorded. A lack of real-time monitoring can make it difficult to eliminate the possibility of an undetected medical issue leading to a crash. The purpose of the work described here is to create a device that is minimally intrusive and can be used to correlate pilot health status with aircraft events. To accomplish this, our team developed a Headset for Aviation and Life-saving Operations (H.A.L.O.) which is equipped with a suite of biometric sensors that can monitor heart rate, oxygen saturation, body temperature, rate of respiration, presence of perspiration, and head motion during flight. Each sensor was calibrated independently and compared to a medical standard to ensure accurate results. The H.A.L.O. was also designed to be a non-invasive monitoring system. To validate this concept, the flight preparation time with the H.A.L.O. was recorded to be within acceptable operational standards. Additionally, the mass of the overall sensor suite complies with the U.S. Forestry Department headgear constraints. Based on the results presented for the H.A.L.O. system, this device will address the lack of pilot health monitoring during flight by helping crewmembers recognize health conditions that could affect the pilot’s ability to fly safely.
0542. THED: A Wrist-Worn Thermal Display for Spatial Thermal Interactions in Virtual Reality
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Nick Soucy, Meetha James. Mentor(s): Nimesha Ranasinghe.
Abstract: THED is a wearable thermal display designed to allow users to perceive spatial thermal sensations within a virtual reality (VR) environment. THED consists of a wrist-worn thermal stimulation module and a control module utilizing Bluetooth communication to connect with the VR environment. To demonstrate THED, we have developed a VR environment showing a virtual campfire in a snowy climate where participants were able to experience the virtual campfire in different predetermined distances. We have conducted a user experiment to 1) determine the distance-based perception of spatial thermal sensations in a VR setting, 2) determine the differences of thermal stimuli on participants’ wrists, and 3) evaluate the effects of combined thermal stimuli towards their expected spatial thermal stimuli. Our primary aim of this study is to learn how humans spatially perceive thermal sensations on their hands (utilizing only one hand vs. both hands) when given a wrist-worn thermal source coupled with a virtual reality scenario. Our findings show that different thermal stimuli utilized by THED were able to provide thermal sensations in virtual reality that closely mirrored participants’ expected thermal sensations in respective VR conditions.
0544. InfinityVR
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Jack Lampinen, Joline Blais. Mentor(s): Prof Joline Blais.
Abstract: Virtual Reality (VR) is the future. As it develops over time, more senses will be simulated, physical sensations will be implemented, and eventually, believable submersion into virtual reality will be possible. While VR has been around for a few decades, it is still a long distance away from being completely immersive. Instead, people have been trying to simulate digital versions of the real world. I believe there is far more potential for this technology. Simulating non-euclidean geometry would allow for physics that are impossible in our reality to takeover the laws that we are accustomed to, making it possible
to convince users that space can be warped, as it is in spherical or elliptical geometries. This creates a space in which movement is seemingly unrestrained and thus produces an environment that is non-intuitive, yet convincing. The goal of this project is to illuminate the potential of combining this technology and these mathematical concepts so that attention is brought to the unusual spaces and benefits that non-Euclidean VR might offer. By the end, I will have developed a series of demonstrations of these concepts in VR that people will be able to experience which will do so.
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0545. Simulating varying hydrogen flow patterns in solar-powered lunar oxygen production
Undergraduate Presentation. Author(s): Chris DeMarchi. Mentor(s): Justin Lapp.
Abstract: The project studies the different flow profiles of hydrogen gas for use in lunar oxygen production. Oxygen is a vital resource for the future colonization of the moon, due to the dual use in refueling rockets and habitation. Oxygen can be extracted from the lunar soil, by a process where high temperature soil reacts with hydrogen gas flowing over the heated soil, which produces steam. The steam is later processed in a different part of the device via electrolysis to separate the hydrogen and oxygen. It is important to look at different hydrogen flows for the reaction to find the most efficient design in order to maximize the amount of oxygen extracted. Simulating different hydrogen flows in the reactor is achieved with ANSYS FLUENT. To gather the necessary information for the simulation, analysis was done to find mass flow rate and the temperature of the chamber during reaction. The cases looked at are in 2D, and will include heat transfer and turbulent flow. The velocity, pressure, and temperature contour graphs generated allow us to analyze the effects of the different nozzle locations, and better understand how the hydrogen interacts with the reaction chamber. Looking at how the varying pressures, orientation and position of the inlet gas, hydrogen, used for the reaction will allow us to implement them. This research allows for designing a reactor with better understanding and confidence. An increase in efficiency will allow refueling times to decrease, leading to more missions, and increased reliability of oxygen production.
0547. Optimizing Liquid-Gated Membranes for Bioaerosol Capture and Release
Graduate Presentation. Author(s): Daniel P. Regan, Caitlin Howell. Mentor(s): Caitlin Howell.
Abstract: Opportunistic pathogens that take form as bioaerosols present unique challenges for disease surveillance and treatment. Traditional mitigation strategies against bioaerosols are centered around high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. While HEPA filters excel at trapping airborne particles within the filter, they do not enable transfer of entrapped pathogens for pathogen detection. The aim of this work is the development of a catch-and-release filter that easily transfers the trapped bioaerosols to a platform for biological identification. To fabricate a catch-and-release filter, this work will optimize the working parameters of liquid-gated membranes. Parameters of infusing liquid viscosity, volume, and recovery time have been analyzed with aerosolized Escherichia coli. Preliminary results show that an optimized configuration exists for the novel use of liquid-gated membranes for bioaerosol capture and release. The next panel of testing will expand the bioaerosols species to include Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus to represent traditional respiratory pathogens. The optimization of liquid-gated membranes for bioaerosol capture and release will bring about the next-generation of airborne pathogen surveillance and treatment.