Smart Materials and Structures
Using advanced techniques to integrate multifunctional materials and structures into smart mechatronic devices such as sensors, actuators, energy harvester, etc.
Smart materials can be considered a multi-disciplinary subject involving at least two physical domains. This multi-disciplinary research integrates areas of Mechanical, Smart Materials and Electronics technologies into smart devices. For us, Smart Materials and Structures differentiates and establishes our Mechatronics programme – and graduates – as global leaders in this multidisciplinary area.
Current research projects
Energy harvesting
The aim of this research is to achieve a small energy harvesting device with high harvesting capability that can convert vibration energy into electrical energy. This energy harvester allows for various applications, such as powering remote, portable or implanted medical devices without needing batteries. Harvesting energy from human or animal motion to power wearable electronics is also particularly interesting.
Wearable sensors and actuators
The developing fields of wearable electronics and soft robotics have created a strong demand for flexible and stretchable strain sensors. We have been researching highly stretchable sensors for applications such as smart gloves, medical sensors, etc. We are developing soft actuators suitable as wearable pumps for drug dispensing and implantable devices.
Micro-printing
Advancements in nanomaterials and polymer electronics have made it possible to realise new-generation sensors and actuator designs. However, current technology still requires these sensors and actuators to be manufactured separately and attached afterwards onto mechanical structures to complete the overall device.
At the same time, the increasing popularity of printing technology has changed how prototypes and custom objects are designed and manufactured. We have developed a fabrication platform that will allow the printing of smart materials to construct sensors or actuators
Microsystems lab
The Microsystems lab is used to support research in smart materials and microtechnologies and contains – amongst other supporting facilities – the following equipment and capabilities:
- Parylene coater
- Thermal evaporator
- Dektak profilometer
- Corona Discharge
- Micro-prober
- Oxygen and Ozone plasma cleaning system
- Ovens and high temperature furnace (1200°C)
- Vacuum oven
- Critical point dryer
- Glove box for environment sensitive materials
- High precision electrical measurement systems
- Photolithography set-up, including spin coater and UV exposure system
- RIE etcher
- Plasma torch
- Specialised printers: micro-reactive printer, 5-axes printer and extrusion printer
Courses
- MECHENG 728: Advanced MEMs and Microsystems
- MECHENG 735: MEMs and Microsystems