MakerFluidics: low cost microfluidics for synthetic biology

Recent advancements in multilayer, multicellular, genetic logic circuits often rely on manual intervention throughout the computation cycle and orthogonal signals for each chemical “wire”. These constraints can prevent genetic circuits from scaling. Microfluidic devices can be used to mitigate these constraints. However, continuous-flow microfluidics are largely designed through artisanal processes involving hand-drawing features and accomplishing design rule checks visually: processes that are also inextensible. Additionally, continuous-flow microfluidic routing is only a consideration during chip design and, once built, the routing structure becomes “frozen in silicon,” or for many microfluidic chips “frozen in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)”; any changes to fluid routing often require an entirely new device and control infrastructure. The cost of fabricating and controlling a new device is high in terms of time and money; attempts to reduce one cost measure are, generally, paid through increases in the other. This work has three main thrusts: to create a microfluidic fabrication framework, called MakerFluidics, that lowers the barrier to entry for designing and fabricating microfluidics in a manner amenable to automation; to prove this methodology can design, fabricate, and control complex and novel microfluidic devices; and to demonstrate the methodology can be used to solve biologically-relevant problems. Utilizing accessible technologies, rapid prototyping, and scalable design practices, the MakerFluidics framework has demonstrated its ability to design, fabricate and control novel, complex and scalable microfludic devices. This was proven through the development of a reconfigurable, continuous-flow routing fabric driven by a modular, scalable primitive called a transposer. In addition to creating complex microfluidic networks, MakerFluidics was deployed in support of cutting-edge, application-focused research at the Charles Stark Draper Laboratory. Informed by a design of experiments approach using the parametric rapid prototyping capabilities made possible by MakerFluidics, a plastic blood--bacteria separation device was optimized, demonstrating that the new device geometry can separate bacteria from blood while operating at 275% greater flow rate as well as reduce the power requirement by 82% for equivalent separation performance when compared to the state of the art. Ultimately, MakerFluidics demonstrated the ability to design, fabricate, and control complex and practical microfluidic devices while lowering the barrier to entry to continuous-flow microfluidics, thus democratizing cutting edge technology beyond a handful of well-resourced and specialized labs

A Polyhedral Study of Mixed 0-1 Set

We consider a variant of the well-known single node fixed charge network flow set with constant capacities. This set arises from the relaxation of more general mixed integer sets such as lot-sizing problems with multiple suppliers. We provide a complete polyhedral characterization of the convex hull of the given set

Cold Micro Metal Forming

This open access book contains the research report of the Collaborative Research Center “Micro Cold Forming” (SFB 747) of the University of Bremen, Germany. The topical research focus lies on new methods and processes for a mastered mass production of micro parts which are smaller than 1mm (by forming in batch size higher than one million). The target audience primarily comprises research experts and practitioners in production engineering, but the book may also be of interest to graduate students alike

Fabricate 2014

FABRICATE is an international peer reviewed conference that takes place every three years with a supporting publication on the theme of Digital Fabrication. Discussing the progressive integration of digital design with manufacturing processes, and its impact on design and making in the 21st century, FABRICATE brings together pioneers in design and making within architecture, construction, engineering, manufacturing, materials technology and computation. Discussion on key themes includes: how digital fabrication technologies are enabling new creative and construction opportunities from component to building scales, the difficult gap that exists between digital modelling and its realisation, material performance and manipulation, off-site and on-site construction, interdisciplinary education, economic and sustainable contexts. FABRICATE features cutting-edge built work from both academia and practice, making it a unique event that attracts delegates from all over the worl

Automated Fibre Placement with In-Situ Ultraviolet Curing and On-The-Fly Resin Impregnation

Vehicle emissions contribute to up to one third of the world's air pollution [1]. Reducing vehicle weight is crucial to reducing these emissions. Composite materials offer high specific strength-to-weight ratios which make them ideal for lightweight applications; however, existing composite manufacturing is slow and expensive. Automated Fibre Placement (AFP) is a state-of-the-art composite manufacturing process but is limited by the low complexity of parts it can produce; the cost, size and speed of the actuation systems; expensive and sensitive material options; and numerous pre and post-processes required in order to complete a part. This research proposes a new and efficient composite manufacturing process that addresses these limitations by combining AFP technology with in-situ ultraviolet (UV) curing and on-the-fly fibre and resin impregnation (UVAFP). The body of this thesis focused on proving the process concept and building robust predictive models for the technology. It was proposed that reducing the size of the placement head would increase the capability of this technique to manufacture more complex parts. It was shown that by optimising the placement head clearance angle, placement head width and the compaction roller radius the minimum placement radius and arc length could be as small as 100mm and 90 degrees respectively. It was also demonstrated that industrial robots were sufficiently accurate and repeatable to act as placement articulators for AFP. The feed rate, path interpolation point filtering and spindle speed were optimised to achieve a path following accuracy of less than 0.042mm. By increasing the tension in the tow and compaction force, dry fibre tows were shown to be a suitably dimensionally stable replacement for expensive towpregs with minimal gaps and overlaps. Dry glass fibre tows and bulk vinylester resin impregnated on-the-fly was chosen as an inexpensive and versatile material system and consolidation approach for use in UVAFP. The material system was shown to have comparable mechanical properties to aluminium and steel but lighter with equivalent properties to composites manufactured by traditional techniques. Rapid impregnation times were demonstrated up to 2160 mm/sec. High intensity UV light curing eliminated the need for post process curing and shortened the cure time and increased layup speeds. When the UV light was applied in a ply-by-ply in-situ approach, the cure time was measured to decrease the current thermal cure cycle length by 43.75% and the degree-of-cure was increased by 1.3% (as measured indirectly by the interlaminar shear strength). By characterising the process parameters the effect on degree of cure and degradation could be controlled and predicted. A degree of cure in excess of 99% was achieved, providing equivalent material properties to traditional thermal cured composites while minimising peak exposure temperatures, thus reducing mass loss caused by thermo-oxidative degradation. UVAFP was demonstrated to be a viable composite manufacturing process capable of producing high quality components and addressing the limitations of current AFP systems. The technology was shown to address efficiency shortfalls and make composite manufacturing economical and accessible to vehicle manufacturers searching for manufacturing process solutions for lightweight

Synthesis of nanocomposites from polyaniline, polypyrrole and carbon nanotubes, and unzipping of multi-walled carbon nanotubes for the obtention of new graphitic nanomaterials

Tesis (Doctorado en Nanociencias y Nanotecnología)"La síntesis de compositos a partir de nanotubos de carbono ha tenido como principal reto el lograr una buena dispersión de los primeros en la matriz polimérica y para ello se han utilizado diversos métodos de funcionalización. Así mismo, se busca obtener una buena interacción entre ambos componentes y que el composito resultante se beneficie de las propiedades presentes en los materiales de partida. En este contexto, en la presente tesis presentamos los principales resultados concernientes a la síntesis de compositos a partir de nanotubos de carbono multicapa (MWNTs), MWNTs dopados con nitrógeno (CNx) y de polímeros conductores electrónicos, específicamente de polianilina (PAni), polianilina sulfonada (SPAni) y polipirrol (PPy). Dicho estudio surge a partir de nuestro interés en combinar las propiedades únicas de cada componente y así obtener nuevos materiales con propiedades electrónicas y mecánicas mejoradas. Por primera vez en el ámbito científico, sintetizamos estos compositos mediante la polimerización in situ de los monómeros correspondientes mediante un método de alquilación reductiva en amoníaco líquido, al cual se denomina sales de nanotubos, y que ha sido ampliamente utilizado para la funcionalización de fulerenos, nanotubos de una (SWNTs) y de varias capas (MWNTs). En este método se disuelve litio metálico en amoníaco líquido, al que se agregan los nanotubos de carbono formando entonces una sal de nanotubos. Durante la síntesis de compositos encontramos que, ocasionalmente, tanto MWNTs como CNx se exfoliaban en los extremos o en segmentos. Decidimos entonces seguir esta línea de investigación, logrando exitosamente la obtención de nanocintas de carbono a partir de MWNTs. Encontramos que los MWNTs pueden ser abiertos longitudinalmente mediante la intercalación de litio y amoníaco, seguida por exfoliación. Los mejores resultados se obtuvieron mediante intercalación en tubos cortados y abiertos en los extremos y exfoliación con tratamiento ácido y calentamiento abrupto. El material resultante consistió en: (i) estructuras grafíticas de multicapa (nanocintas), (ii) MWNTs parcialmente abiertos y (iii) hojuelas de grafeno. A los nanotubos completamente abiertos les llamamos ex-MWNTs, los cuales se caracterizan por su gran cantidad de bordes, lo cual los hace candidatos muy atractivos para muchas aplicaciones, tales como: elaboración de nanocompositos, adsorción de gases, baterías recargables, capacitores, etc.""The synthesis of composites from carbon nanotubes has its most notable challenge in the good dispersion of carbon nanotubes within the polymer matrix. Moreover, a good interaction is also desired between both components and a synergic effect in the composite as well, resulting from the properties of each component. On this respect, in this thesis we present the main results concerning the synthesis of composites from multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs), nitrogen-doped MWNTs (CNx), and electronic conducting polymers, specifically from polyaniline (PAni), sulfonated polyaniline (SPAni), and polypyrrole (PPy). This study was motivated by our interest too combine the unique properties of each component and the obtention of composites with improved electronic and mechanical properties. For first time in science, we synthesized these composites by in situ polymerization of the corresponding monomers by means of a reductive alkylation method in liquid ammonia which is called nanotube salts. This method has been widely used for functionalization of fullerenes, single- (SWNTs), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). In this method, metallic lithium is dissolved in liquid ammonia, to which carbon nanotubes are added, thus forming nanotube salts. During the synthesis of these composites we occasionally observed that both MWNTs ans CNx were opened at the tips or in segments. We thus decided to follow this research line, successfully obtaining carbon nanoribbons from MWNTs. We found that these MWNTs can be opened longitudinally by intercalation of lithium and ammonia followed by exfoliation. Intercalation of open-ended tubes and exfoliation eith acid treatment and abrupt heating provided tjhe best results. The resulting material consists of: (i) multilayered flat graphitic structures (nanoribbons), (ii) partially open MWNTs, and (iii) graphene flakes. We called the completely unwrapped nanotubes ex-MWNTs, which are characterized by a large number of edges that make them very attractive for many applications such as: composites, gas adsorption, rechargeable batteries, capacitors, etc. Characterization of their morphology, vibrational, and structure properties allowed us to propose an exfoliation mechanism for MWNTs.

ISBU modular construction and building design prototypes

With the use of industrialised construction increasing, Buro Happold (BH) commissioned this research as part of on-going initiatives to address the lack of efficiency in design and construction. The research considers two major case studies where modularisation has been used to minimise complexity and increase standardisation. Referred to in this thesis as construction product prototypes and building design prototypes , the two studies examine firstly the product development of an Intermodal Steel Building Unit (ISBU) used in multi-storey construction and secondly a modular station pre-design used and repeated on four station buildings. The ISBU is based on a standard ISO dry-freight container and its use in modular construction maximises the use of factory based off-site methods (OSM); this should improve consistency of product outcome with minimised impact on site. Very little academic work has been published on ISBU modular construction. The research therefore looks in detail at the process of ISBU modular product development and its engineering performance. It also compares production and procurement of the units on supplier-driven accommodation buildings in comparison to similar but non-modular client-led projects. Using multiple stages of project team interviews and project document analysis, the research data is coded, measured and analysed to describe the processes of product and design prototyping. The research demonstrates that the ISBU product was developed and refined through several major building projects and has reasonable engineering performance characteristics but may be more suited to temporary buildings. The principle of modular pre-designs as found in stations has benefits for rationalising the design process and simplifying and internalising complexities of construction. The research considers solutions for problems that are ill defined and a design process that is difficult to assimilate. This part of the research uses models for framing and problem/solution co-evolution to solve problems of ill definition and linear/non-linear design processes by building on Gero s (1990) design prototyping theory model. Modularisation of the station designs was successful in reducing design effort and allowed a repeatable pre-design to be refined, but the design team struggled with the bespoke nature of the project designs. The comparison of case study data to models for manufacturing, procurement and design prototype development has led to a better understanding as to how these designs were achieved and how these same approaches could be applied in future

Operational Research: Methods and Applications

Throughout its history, Operational Research has evolved to include a variety of methods, models and algorithms that have been applied to a diverse and wide range of contexts. This encyclopedic article consists of two main sections: methods and applications. The first aims to summarise the up-to-date knowledge and provide an overview of the state-of-the-art methods and key developments in the various subdomains of the field. The second offers a wide-ranging list of areas where Operational Research has been applied. The article is meant to be read in a nonlinear fashion. It should be used as a point of reference or first-port-of-call for a diverse pool of readers: academics, researchers, students, and practitioners. The entries within the methods and applications sections are presented in alphabetical order. The authors dedicate this paper to the 2023 Turkey/Syria earthquake victims. We sincerely hope that advances in OR will play a role towards minimising the pain and suffering caused by this and future catastrophes