Current Research Projects
GOALI: Development of a PVD Crystalline Alumina Coating for Cutting Tools by a Novel Inverted Cylindrical Magnetron Sputtering Process
Investigator(s): Deepak Bhat, Professor Mechanical Engineering, dgbhat@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
A. Santhanam (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The research objective of this Grant Opportunity for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) project is to develop an advanced hard coating process for improved wear resistance of metal-cutting tools. The approach to be used in this research is to investigate the critical process parameters for the deposition of a crystalline aluminum oxide coating using a novel physical vapor deposition process called inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering. This work will be carried out in a collaborative effort between University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, and Kennametal Inc., Latrobe, PA. The researchers will also work in close collaboration with the manufacturer of the deposition equipment, Isoflux, Inc., Rochester, NY, to develop and implement improved hardware designs and process modeling solutions. Successful development and implementation of this research will directly assist the U.S. manufacturing sector in significantly reducing manufacturing costs by providing them with improved, wear-resistant tools. The new coating technology has the potential to significantly reduce energy and environmental costs of machining, and to improve manufacturing productivity. The technology also has significant potential for applications in other fields, such as biomedical and corrosion protection applications. The university-industry collaboration also provides an outstanding opportunity for the education and training of students, by involving them in hands-on research in the laboratory combined with practical application training in the industrial research laboratory. The implementation of this research program will also provide a strong impetus to spawn new research efforts in cross-cutting research in new surface engineering technologies.
U.S.-India Planning Visit for Developing Collaborative Research on Carbon Nanotube Synthesis, Applications and Undergraduate Education Curriculum Development
Investigator(s): Deepak Bhat , Professor Mechanical Engineering, dgbhat@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
This award supports the U.S.-India Planning Visit for Developing Collaborative Research on Carbon Nanotube Synthesis, Applications and Undergraduate Education Curriculum Development. PI Bhat, University of Arkansas will visit Professors S. Ramaprabhu and V.D.Vankar of the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT) in Chennai and Delhi to finalize a research and education initiative in nanotechnology. There has been substantial interaction before face-to-face meetings take place to discuss the research programs at these institutions, assess the laboratory facilities and review nanotechnology course curriculum. These leading institutions in India have active programs on applications of carbon nanotubes (CNT) in field emission devices, fuel cells and electrocatalysis. The collaboration will leverage that expertise. Scope: This project deals with an important scientific problem and will integrate research and education in nanotechnlogy. The Indian researchers have the facilities and programs for developing cutting-edge applications for CNTs in critical engineering fields. These resources complement Dr. Bhat's industrial R&D experience in chemical vapor deposition technology and his expertise in developing patented methods for use with advanced ceramic composites. All investigators are motivated to develop an innovative education model that will attract talented students to nanotechnology. The Division of Design and Manufacturing Innovation is providing co funding for this award.
Infrastructure for Manufacturing Nano and Micro Materials Integrated Durable Miniaturized System
Investigator(s): Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
Research on Nano and micro systems is impacting intelligent tools to micro and nano devices, SMART cards to cell phones, micro/nano satellites to miniaturized space system on a chip, quantum computing to DNA computing. Such miniaturized systems are needed as components in automobiles, aerospace vehicles, bio-medicine, informatics hardware, high performance computing, electronics, etc. Research infrastructure in a distributed set-up was established and research projectsh as (1) durable information chip using micro and nano laser machining, (2) durable micro and meso scale living and non-living systems, and (3) durability of quantum structures are being conducted.
Wafer Level and Chip Scale Packaging of RF MEMS Devices
Investigator(s): Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
Goals and Description: Develop design, processing steps and assemble packages using wafer-level (WL) and chip scale packaging (CSP) approaches for MEMS devices. The following text describes the technical approach.
Schematic for the 1st proposal:
Technical Approach: 1st Proposal (27.5-30 weeks): a) localized reflow of the solder between a flip chipped MEMS die and a substrate and cap seal tests –
WiSpry will provide the MEMS die and substrate for test and establish complete localized reflow process. WiSpry is already performing a global reflow process, so primarily only the localized reflow is of interest. For comparison, however, we will consider completing some parts in localized reflow and some in a global reflow to verify differences. Evaluation of the localized cap sealing system and process will be performed utilizing commercial ceramic cavity packages and lids provided to Arkansas with WiSpry die previously mounted. If custom lids are required for this process, Arkansas will provide necessary specs to WiSpry to enable their fabrication and delivery.
b) To bond a cap over the MEMS die that is sealed to the substrate. This actually builds on the previous task. After the MEMS die has been flipped onto the substrate and the localized reflow completed, a cap will be placed over the die and locally reflowed as well. WiSpry will need to design a new substrate for this work to modify the RF i/o and control lines interconnects and to add a seal ring to the substrate (current substrate does not include a seal ring). WiSpry will design and have fabricated this new substrate, which will be provided to U of A. WiSpry will work with U of A to develop the design rules for this particular process. WiSpry should be able to have the lid fabricated by the same people who will fabricate the substrate once we decide on the set of specifications. It is useful to point out that U of A has all the facility to fabricate required caps and the substrates. U of A will assemble the MEMS die and lid to the substrate using localized reflow process for attaching the die to the substrate and sealing the lid to the substrate. U of A is ready to start now or in parallel with the redesign of the substrate and the cap, need to be directed by WiSpry. Note: During the Phase I will perform a parallel effort in developing a complete package using polymer matrix.
Schematic for the 2nd proposal: The second proposal would examine the localized sealing of a cap to the die itself rather than the substrate. This would work with the P17 die that we discussed and an approach to establish the electrical interconnections through the cap and locally reflow these connections would need to be accomplished.
Realization of Advanced Two Phase Nanolubricants (NanoLube) Composites for Improving Energy Efficiency and Durability of Engines and Machines
Investigator(s): Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
Despite significant investment in developing various lubricating media for machines and machining tool interfaces, the problems of continuous supply of lubricants and temperature adaptiveness still remain. This causes significant efficiency loss due to high friction and wear at the component level and part failure, leading to loss of time and lower productivity of machines in the field. University of Arkansas researchers are researching a mechanical ball milling process to (1) create nanoparticles of MoS2 using off the shelf micro particles as the starting material and (2) insitu processing to create an inorganic-organic composite using MoS2 nanoparticles and organic oil molecules. The behavior of these novel particles in polar medium under harsh machining conditions has the potential of significantly increasing the lubricant properties.
Collaborative Research: SGER: Feasibility of a New Nano-Composite cBN Coating Method for Next Generation Cutting Tools for Harsh Hard Machining
Investigator(s): Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The feasibility of a novel approach for developing a new generation of cutting tool coatings will be explored. This approach is based on an innovative composite coating of superhard cubic boron nitride (cBN) nano-sized particulates with titanium nitride (TiN) phase matrix along with a science-based new methodology for cutting tool design, specific for hard machining. The investigators propose to explore if the new electrostatic-based coating method will work by resolving the agglomeration problem for submicron particle sizes, and to determine if such coated tools can compete commercially. This is a collaborative research program to be performed by Purdue University and University of Arkansas. If successful, this approach may provide an economical way to synthesize protective coatings on cutting tools, far less expensive than traditional chemical or physical vapor deposition. Such high-performance cutting tools reduce frequency of tool replacement and improve productivity.
GOALI: Wafer-Level and Chip-Scale Packaging (WL-CSP) of MEMS
Investigator(s): Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
William Brown, Associate Dean for Research, Electrical Engineering (Co-Principal Investigator)
Fred Barlow, Associate Professor, Electrical Engineering, (Co-Principal Investigator)
Arthur Morris (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The objective of this research is to design, develop and test a novel wafer-level encapsulation and chip-scale interconnection scheme for packaging of micro electromechanical systems. Arrays of radio frequency micro electromechanical system switch devices on a wafer are chosen as a demonstration test bed. The goal is to implement and test capping high resistivity silicon, polymer and low temperature co-fired ceramic wafers, with through wafer metallized vias for encapsulation and interconnection of radio frequency micro electromechanical system switches on the device wafer. This project will be executed in an ongoing collaboration among the University of Arkansas, wiSpry, and Sandia National Laboratories. The success of the proposed technical approach will allow the industry to work on a wide gamut of micro electromechanical system devices operational in hermetic environments. These developments benefit micro electromechanical system packaging in strategic application areas of telecommunication, homeland security, biomedical devices, automotive and aerospace sensors, thin display and solid state lighting applications and fuel cells. The interdisciplinary expertise of the team will be conducive for the microsystems education of the students involved on this project. In the research, the special emphasis will be to recruit and nurture teaching, training and learning within underrepresented minorities. Investigators will continue to build their ongoing partnership with area school community and the experience will used to forge new relations with the area Community Colleges. Training is inevitable today- to the technology community - to create and retain new high paid microsystems related jobs in America.
Collaborative Research: Development Of Nano-Electrical Discharge Machining (NANO-EDM) For Advanced Manufacturing
Investigator(s): Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
This grant provides funding to develop electrical discharge machining (EDM) process for nanometer scale cutting, "top-down" nanoscale machining. Initial experiments have successfully demonstrated feasibility of this technical approach to machine 40 nm (diameter) by 30 nm (deep) circular vias in atomically flat gold deposited on mica. Proposed nano-EDM process offers a unique and cogent opportunity to write precise nano structures, such as vias, at low cost (0.25 cent/hole according to current projection for a batch of 10x10 holes) and ultra high speed (currently the speed is 2 holes/minute for 25 nm dia x 15 nm deep hole), unlike the established processes such as focused ion-beam (FIB) and electron beam lithography (EBL). The investigators will explore theoretically and experimentally the role of process conditions and study effect of discharge energy density, voltage pulse duration, and discharge gap between the tool tip and the work piece electrodes in various media. The unique collaboration between the U of A and UNL will bring interdisciplinary expertise and laboratory resources in related fields of nano mechanical machining, nano scale measurements, surface science and macro- and micro-EDM. The success of nano-EDM will practically allow the industry to work on gamut of electrically conducting as well as semi conducting materials in a non-vacuum environment. Nano-EDM will be instrumental for a wide range of emerging applications viz. nano vias for interconnects, single DNA detection device fabrication, etc. Further in the broader impact to the society, the PIs plan to introduce a course in the area of "Nano Mechanical Machining for Manufacturing". In the proposed research, the special emphasis will be to train underrepresented minorities. PIs will build partnerships with area schools and community colleges. Training is inevitable today, to the manufacturing community particularly in the Midwest, to create and retain new high paid nanomanufacturing related jobs in US.
CCLI-EMD: Development of a Finite Element Method Learning Environment for Undergraduates
Investigator(s): Joseph Rencis, Department Chair, Mechanical Engineering, jjrencis@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
This CCLI-EMD proof-of-concept project is designing and developing a prototype open access finite element method learning (FEML) environment. Educational outcomes for FEML are based upon the criteria recommended by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). The materials being created include one full-scale engineering case study in structural engineering and one mini-scale engineering case study. Both case studies use a holistic approach so that students will gain an understanding of the limitations of finite analysis methods. The e-learning objects being designed will support synchronous and asynchronous e-learning environments. The modules target students in mechanical, civil, aerospace and nuclear engineering programs. The project incorporates a full evaluation plan to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum as it is piloted in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. A faculty development and teacher preparation component provides faculty with an understanding of how to effectively use this methodology to create learner centered e-learning objects, and how to deliver the technology by creating and developing rich e-learning environments. The project is adapting Extensible Markup Language to conform to the IMS/SCORM specifications for e-learning to create the e-content for the e-learning objects. The e-learning objects being developed conform to national and international standards for e-learning in order for the material to become part of the National Science Digital Library through the projects website.
Building a Pathway Connecting Innovation to Commercialization
Investigator(s): Ashok Saxena, Dean of Engineering, asaxena@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
Gregory Salamo, Distinguished Professor, Physics, (Co-Principal Investigator)
Ron Foster (Co-Principal Investigator)
Carol Reeves , Associate Professor, Management (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
This award is to the University of Arkansas to support the activity described below for 36 months. The proposal was submitted in response to the Partnerships for Innovation Program Solicitation (NSF-04556). Partners The partners include University of Arkansas (Lead Institution), Arkansas Science and Technology Center, Virtual Incubation Corporation, and Alpha Fund. The primary objectives are to integrate into the university educational system a complete pathway that creates knowledge, stimulates innovative ideas, and forges commercialization. With the infrastructure and culture to reach SBIR Phase I awards in place, this proposal sets it sights on building the very different businesses infrastructure and cultural change needed to reach commercialization. The activities include: creating a business infrastructure that facilitates the transition of SBIR Phase I winners to not only SBIR Phase II but also to Phase III and ultimately to commercialization, advertising the successes that will provide the examples that we have learned are needed to establish a campus a mindset that goes beyond SBIR awards by making clear what could sell, harnessing a cadre of untapped business professionals to provide mentoring to SBIR Phase I small businesses, conducting a formal evaluation of the impact of the overall program. Potential Economic Impact Arkansas has a long tradition of an economy based on agriculture. Despite the existence of a few very large businesses in the state, very few high tech companies exist. Arkansas would benefit economically from the fact that 66% of all new jobs are created by the 11% of new companies that are high tech. The vision is to create a thriving high-tech small business economy in Arkansas via a pathway for new ideas to grow in exciting interdisciplinary areas and for providing the resources needed to take successive steps leading from initial concept to actual in-hand marketable products. The intellectual merit of the project will result from integration of incubators, angel funding networks, and educational programs under what seems to be a well thought out management plan. The proposed project represents an important experiment in the creation of new high-tech commercial ventures in an economically underdeveloped state. The funding network is partially, although not fully, in place. A plan for assessment of outcomes of the project has been established in cooperation with assessment professionals from the university. The broader impacts of the activity concentrate on advancing discovery and understanding while improving teaching, training and learning at University of Arkansas. Participation of underrepresented groups is one of the innovation outcomes and partially reflective of the education component of this proposal. This proposal will also enhance the infrastructure of research education Project activities proposed would advance discovery and understanding while improving teaching, training and learning.
A Novel Electrical Micro fluidics System Actuated by Biological Cell Motors
Investigator(s): Steve Tung ,Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, chstung@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The next trend in micro and nano technology is in the direction of integrating micro and nano systems with active bio-elements and means of information transduction. Along this line, the PI's propose to design, fabricate, and test a novel electrical microfluidics pump actuated by biological cell motors. The proposed micro pump will be realized through the integration of a harmless strain of E. coli cells with a MEMS-based microfluidics channel. Each E. coli cell consists of several flagella driven at the base by a rotary motor. If the cell is attached to a surface by a single flagellar filament, the motor turns the whole cell body at a high rotational speed. The proposed design utilizes this mechanism to transport liquid in a microfluidics channel through viscous pumping. According to a preliminary fluid mechanics simulation, the proposed cell motor pump can deliver a flow rate of almost 0.25 nanoliter per minute. Electro-rotation will be used to electrically control the cell rotational speed and thus the flow rate. With this novel control scheme, it is envisioned that the proposed integration of cell actuation biology and MEMS will result in an intelligent microfluidics system for next generation applications. The following objectives have been established for the proposed project. Design and fabricate MEMS microfluidics channel: A series of fluid dynamics simulations will be conducted to investigate the dependence of the volumetric flow rate in a microfluidics channel on the distribution and rotational speed of cell motors. Based on the results, a microfluidics channel system will be fabricated using MEMS processing techniques on a silicon substrate. The sidewall of the channel will consist of gold pads for cell attachment and metal electrode for controlling cell rotation through electro-rotation. Integrate cells with microfluidics channel: Gold will be used as the interface material between the cells and the microfluidics channel. Two mature technologies will be adapted to attach the cells to a gold patterned substrate. One involves generation of a suitable substrate for attachment of the flagellar filaments. The second concentrates on engineering flagellar filaments that will provide good ligands for attachment.
Design and Fabrication of a Micro Flagellar Motor Based Dynamo
Investigator(s): Steve Tung, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, chstung@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
Jin-Woo Kim, Associate Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
We propose to explore a novel biologically inspired power supply that has both a high power density and a small package size. The micro flagellar motor dynamo or FMD is a microscale hybrid system fabricated from MEMS devices and a non-pathogenic, genetically engineered strain of Escherichia coli (KAF95) flagellar motor. This flagellar motor is a nanoscale molecular motor capable of a large rotary torque and high power output (relative to other molecular motors). When tethered down to a microfabricated surface, the motor turns at a stable rotational rate, providing a natural mechanical power generator. The FMD converts this mechanical power into an electrical one by combining the flagellar motor with a copper microcoil and micro ferromagnetic beads. With the ferromagnetic beads attached, the tethered motor generates a rotating magnetic field that induces a voltage in the stationary microcoil due to Faraday's Law. Based on a preliminary study, this induced voltage can potentially provide the same power density level as that of a methanol fuel cell. Intellectual Merit of Proposed Activity The proposed project is an important step towards the development of an effective electrical power supply for current and future MEMS and NEMS. It uniquely combines the technologies in microbiology and microfabrication to design and fabricate a hybrid biological/artificial power system that is both compact and efficient. Broader Impacts of Proposed Activity The proposed project will generate significant educational opportunities for students at both the college and K-12 levels. The UA graduate and undergraduate students supported under this effort will benefit greatly from diversified experience in microbiology and microfabrication. The K-12 students and teachers recruited for the project will become more aware of MEMS and microbiology, which can lead to more K-12 students pursuing science and engineering as a career path. The PI will actively recruit underrepresented students through his current role as a mentor for women and minority engineering students. He will also expand his activities in NSF-RET programs to involve more minority K-12 teachers.
NER: Exploration of a Nano-engineered Flagellar Motor Based TNT Detection System
Investigator(s): Min Zou, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, mzou@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
Steve Tung,Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, (Co-Principal Investigator)
Jin-Woo Kim, Associate Professor, Biological and Agricultural Engineering, (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The goal of this project is to explore the possibility of a hybrid biological/artificial system to effectively detect trace level of Trinitrotoluene (TNT). The hybrid system is fabricated from MEMS devices and non-pathogenic, genetically engineered flagellar motors. The operational principle is based on detecting the rotational characteristics of the flagellar filament in the presence of TNT. The detection system is expected to have superior sensitivity, very short response time, and is compact, portable, and highly scalable. Based on preliminary calculations and studies, the system is at least 100 times lighter and would be much cheaper than commercially available TNT detection systems of similar sensitivity levels. The detection system will be fabricated based on the core flagellar motor assembly technologies developed by the PIs' research groups. These technologies will be further advanced by completing the three complementary objectives identified for the proposed project: 1) Develop methodologies for tethering cell body to substrate surfaces, 2) Develop biological protocols for specific bead attachment, 3) Integrate detection system and evaluate performance.
A Novel Technology for Synthesis and Fabrication of Solid Lubricant and Hard Material Composite Coatings
Investigator(s): William Brown, , Associate Dean for Research, Electrical Engineering wdb@uark.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sharad Yedave (Co-Principal Investigator)
Ajay Malshe , Professor Mechanical Engineering, (Co-Principal Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The tribology, chemistry, and physics of material interactions at mating surfaces under extreme environmental conditions experienced by launch vehicles, spacecrafts, and related aerospace units drive the need for durable interfaces having novel ambient adaptive material phases. For example, varying temperature conditions demand solid lubricants that can operate in a wide temperature range, but are chemically stable. Commonly used single-phase coatings, such as MoS2 or ZnO, etc., can only address a limited parameter window. However, novel combinations of material phases in combination with new coating processes allow temperature adaptive composite solid lubricant coatings to be created. The goal of this project is to develop novel, controlled, contamination-free, time-efficient, scalable, and low cost coating materials and techniques for aerospace and related applications. The coating technique employs a combination of electrostatic spray coating (ESC) and chemical vapor infiltration (CVI) for the synthesis of solid lubricants and hard material composite coatings. The success of the program is established through testing of the coatings in an industrial environment.
Development of an Improved Sampler for the Robotic Return of Asteroid Surface Samples
Investigator(s): Larry Roe ,Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, lar@uark.edu (Principle Investigator)
Derek Sears, University Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry, (Co-Principle Investegator)
ABSTRACT
Clearly and concisely state the proposal objectives and goals and what are the expected deliverables/products of the proposed work.
For the Hera mission to acquire program approval, NASA reviewers must be convinced that the system proposed for the collection of asteroid surface sample is viable. The lack of flight heritage for this, or any comparable sample retrieval methodology, makes the achievement of that confidence challenging. Therefore, a concerted effort for prototype sampler design and experimental evaluation must be conducted so that all issues currently in question are addressed to the extent possible. Those issues exclusive to the sampler include design of the mechanical portion of the sampler itself (tough and go impregnable pad, TGIP); design of the compliance mechanism which ensures good contract between the TGIP and the surface; and survivability of the sample during earth atmospheric entry and landing. Other operational issues which are not addressed in this proposal are associated with the chemistry of the substrate, design and operation of the sampler arm, spacecraft, and Earth Return Canister, extraction of the sample from the TGIP and substrate, and post-return analysis.
Micro Propulsion
Investigator(s): Larry RoeAssociate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, lar@uark.edu (Principe Investigator)
James Davis, Assistant Department Head, Mechanical Engineering, (Co-Principle Investigator)
James Cope, Student, (Co-Principle Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The recent drive from NASA to develop micro-spacecraft in the 1-20 kg range necessitate the development of lightweight, small, low thrust and impulse but propulsion systems. These required impulse bits are expected to perform several orders of magnitudebelow the smallest impulse bits available with cold gas thruster technology today. At the Jet Propulsion Lab (JPL), a research program currently exists studying the feasibility of several micro propulsion components, including the Vaporizing Liquid Micro-thruster(VLM). The VLM operates by vaporizing a liquid propellant (water, ammonia, or hydrazine) in a thin-film deposited heater then expelled through a micro-machined nozzle. Thrust values are expected to be on the order of 0.5 – 1mN with specific impulse values in the range of 75-100 sec. The problem however lies in accurately measuring the performance of such thrusters.
There are currently very limited devices capable of even estimating, let alone precisely measuring, the thrust and impulse bit of micro-thrusters. The few devices, such as Laser Interferometry developed at Princeton University, that exist today and yielding either unexpected or inconsistent results among different devices. The other Achilles heel is the cost. These complicated devices are cumbersome, expensive, and producing both inconsistent and unexpected results.
Small K-12 Utility Assessments and Utility Manager Workshop Curriculum
Investigator(s): University of Arkansas
Darrin Nutter,Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, dnutter@uark.edu (Principle Investigator)
Arkansas Energy Office
Susan Reckon (Co-Principle Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The cost of operating buildings has been increasing rapidly due to rising costs in natural gas, electricity, and heating fuel oil. Average consumer prices of natural gas were expected to be 23% higher nationwide and 26% higher in the southern part of the United States during the winter of 2005-2006 than the previous winter. In addition, prices are forecast to stay at these high levels ($11.51 per thousand cubic feet) in 2006 and to increase again in 2007 and to increase again in 2007 for buildings nationwide. Electricity prices are also predicted to continue to steadily rise over the next two years [1]. This means that operating budgets for school districts in Arkansas and across the U.S. will continue to be strained to pay for higher utility costs. The Arkansas public school system contains 262 school districts, over 80 million square feet of buildings, and a total student enrollment of over 460,000 for the 2005-2006 academic school year [2]. Therefore, any effort to conserve utilities has the potential to significantly benefit the state of Arkansas and more locally, the school districts’ operating budgets.
Multiscale Computational Design of Super-Lubricant Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings
Investigator(s): Sulin Zhang szhang1@uark.edu (Principle Investigator)
ABSTRACT
The primary goal of the proposed research is, through an integrated and multiscale modeling and experimental approach, to understand the effects of dopant additions on the tribological properties of diamond-like carbon (DCL) coatings so as to develop a design philosophy for controllable, super-lubricant DLC coatings in ambient environment. Specific objectives include: 1) developing a multiscale modeling scheme coupling quantum mechanical calculations, atomistic simulations, and finite elements; 2) achieving a fundamental understanding of the tribological performance of DLC coatings with dopant incorporations in ambient environment; 3) experimental assessment of the tribological properties of the DCL coatings.
(Phase 1) – OSD05-A09)
Investigator(s): Dr. Ajay Malshe, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Apm2@uark.edu, Principal Investigator
ABSTRACT
Systran Federal Corp. (SFC), along with the University of Arkansas (UA), proposes to develop a low-temperature, active circuit board coating, which acts as a detection sensor for the purpose of protecting sensitive hardware and data from adversaries and reverse engineers. Several anti-tamper (AT) coating techniques currently exist, but are inadequate because of high cost, lack of effectiveness, difficulty in use, and unreliability. SFC will address these problems by both refining our existing techniques and developing new techniques and schemas for putting these into practice. We will rely on our previous AT experience for near-term solutions, while exploring advanced long-term AT techniques such as MEMS and nanotechnology.
SFC has experienced in both hardware and software AT research and development. SFC has recently completed a research contract (F33615-03-C-5007) developing tamper-resistant circuit card coatings for the Air Force. In January of 2004, SFC completed a research contract (DASG60-03-P-0213) for the Missile Defense Agency to explore AT other innovation techniques. Also in January of 2004, SFC completed another Phase 1 research contract (F33615-03-M-1546) for the Office of the Secretary of Defense to design a reconfigurable processor for the software protection. This project was sponsored by the Air Force Research Laboratory AT-Software Protection Initiative Office at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base here in Dayton, OH.
The University of Arkansas has extensive applications of nanoparticles coating and electronics packaging, Dr. Ajay Malshe’s group has researched and developed methods for mixing-and-matching nanoparticles that can deliver signal specific ability to stop penetration of specific electromagnetic radiation from IR to X-rays for multi-mode sensors. This ability is matched with excellent development in the area of coating multifunctional nanoparticles at room temperature using an electrostatic bias assisted self-assembly process (Figure 1), where the particles in an organic matrix can form a conformal coating as a part of the package encapsulation.
The feasibility of this anti-tamper coating concept and development of a nanoparticle coating using biased self-assembly was partially supported by SFC under contract F33615-03-C-5007.
Tribology of Nano-Patterned Surfaces
Investigator(s): Dr.Mon Zou, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, mzou@uark.edu, Principal Investigator
Dr. Sulin Zhang, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, szhang1@uark.edu, Co-Principal Investigator
ABSTRACT
The goal of this research is to gain a fundamental understanding of the tribological properties of nano-patterned surfaces (NPS) so as to design NPS with optimized tribological performances for micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) and nano-electro-mechanical systems (NEMS). A unique integrated experimental and modeling approach will be employed with matching materials and length scales for the investigation. The specific objectives are to: (1) investigate experimentally the tribological properties of NPS and their correlation to surface nanostructures, and (2) develop multiscale models to uncover the fundamental mechanisms related to the adhesion, friction, and wear of NPS.
Single Carbon Nanotube Assembly for Biomolecular Detection.
Investigator(s): Dr. Steve Tung, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, chstung@uark.edu, Principal Investigator
ABSTRACT
The primary objective is to develop an ultra sensitive biomolecule sensor using a single carbon nanotube as the sensing element. The focus of the one-year effort will be on the development of the necessary assembly techniques for combining a single carbon nanotube with two nanoscale electrodes.
The UA project, funded by USDA, is primarily focused on the development of viable biologicak protocols for functionalizing CNT sidewall. It also provides some funding for a devise demonstration However; the project does not support the development of the necessary fabrication technique for assembling a single CNT with detection electrodes. The PI believes the lack of this technique will ultimately limit the development of the CNT-FET into an ultra sensitive single biomolecular sensor. In CNT device fabrication, nanotube dispersion and alignment is a critical important step. This is because CNTs are ‘one-dimensional’ conductors: conductivity is high only in the longitudinal direction of the nanotubes. As a result, electrical transport in a CNT device must also be directed in the longitudinal direction to maximize device performance. Unfortunately, almost all CNT can only be fabricated in the form randomly distributed bundles. In addition, the conductive behavior has provided some relief in the form of vertically-aligned CNTs. However, vertical CNTs are known to exhibit widely different properties and the fact that they are fixed on one end also prevents individual nanotubes from being properly assembled into a sensing device.
This project will develop the necessary assembly techniques for combining a single CNT with two electrodes in the lateral direction. The PI has developed the fundamental principle for controlling lateral distribution of CNTs using AC dielectrophoresis. In this approach, randomly distributed CNTs are organized into a lateral trace by a focused electric field generated by two triangular-shaped electrodes. In terms of device fabrication, the lateral CNTs have two main advantages over the vertical ones. Firstly, the conductive property of the aligned trace can be accurately controlled by using a pre-alignment sorting to exclude nanotubes with undesirable properties from the alignment process, Secondly, AC dielectrophoresis is a room-temperature process and the aligned trace can be functionalized either prior to or after the alignment process for biomolecule absorption. This charaxterristic allows for a high degree of flexibility in terms of selecting specific absorption schemes for different biomolecule detection.
MRI: Acquisition of a Comprehensive Plasma Diagnostic System for Research and Education
Investigator(s): Dr. Matt Gordon, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, mhg@uark.edu, Principal Investigator
ABSTRACT
The objective of this proposal is to acquire three state-of-the-art plasma diagnostic systems – optical emission spectroscopy, residual gas analysis, and Langmuir probe – to measure quantitatively and spatially: neutral and charged atomic and molecular ground and excited state number densities and energy; and electron number density and energy in low pressure plasmas. This acquisition will immediately and significantly enhance the progress of the following three current and innovative material- and device related research projects:
In Mechanical Engineering, a project to develop a process for growing low temperature crystalline α-phase alumina thin films in a novel inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering system requires spatially and time-resolved electron and ion density and energy measurements at the critical substrate and target locations.
In Electrical Engineering, a project to produce suitable vias in silicon crucial for dense, high-performance, three-dimensional electronic packages used in avionic systems requires plasma characterization in two reactive ion etch systems. The topography and the surface condition of the vias are critical for success, and are directly determined by the ion densities and energies impinging on the silicon, that the requested equipment measures.
In Biological Sciences and Mechanical Engineering, a project to realize the enormous potential of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes, functionalized with DNS for bio-sensor applications, requires understanding the role of ion concentration and energy, determination of growths species, and understanding the effects of electron density and energy that spatial measurements would provide.
SGER: Smart Integrated System for Water Health Monitoring & Decontamination: Addressing Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina & Alike Situations
Investigator(s): Dr. Ajay Malshe, Professor, Mechanical Engineering, apm2@uark.edu, Principal Investigator
ABSTRACT
The objective of this proposal is design and development of a micro-nano Integrated SMART water health monitoring and decontamination system-on-a-package (SOP). This objective will be met through the following specific goals of this proposal: (a) to understand and address the challenges in measurement of flood water parameters, in particular Coliforms, continuously and rapidly throughout large volumes and over large time spans, using micro-sensor system integrated with wireless communication system; (b) another key objective is to embed specially engineered decontaminating surface activated nanoparticles reservoir coupled in a feed-back-loop with the micro-sensor to release the particles once a high Coliform count is detected in the contaminated flood regions in the instances such as after Hurricane Katrina.
