Context:
As more conductive 3D printing filaments become commercially available, the Nature Inspired Fabrication and Transducers subject group (NIFTy) has been investigating a variety of 3D printed sensors. We have been exploring concepts from mechanically stiff to flexible conductive and non-conductive materials to form novel sensing concepts, using piezo-resistive, capacitive and thermo-resistive properties of the printed materials.
Recent developments have also included the development of a platform to provide in-situ monitoring of inter-layer adhesion and bulk material properties, allowing for an ever deeper understanding of the processes occurring at a material level.
Project description:
Previously various versions of 3D printed piezo-resistive strain-gauges have been developed within the group, employing the inherent material anisotropy resulting from the inter-traxel (printline) interfaces as a method of observing material deformation.
This BSc assignment will explore this concept further by investigating the effect of non-planar 3D printing upon the interfaces and their piezo-resistive behavior in the application of a strain sensor. Potentially the existing in-situ monitoring setup can be adapted to further study the properties of the interface, depending on print configurations.
Student background:
We are looking for a BSc student in Electrical Engineering (EE), Advanced Technology (AT) or similar. Preferably, students have previous experience with (customized) FFF 3D printers and data processing in Python/MATLAB. Please submit your CV when interested in this assignment.
Contact: h.r.jonkers@utwente.nl & c.r.derla@utwente.nl