Title:
Learning and applying material-based sensing lessons from nature
Learning and applying material-based sensing lessons from nature
Author(s)
McConney, Michael Edward
Advisor(s)
Tsukruk, Vladimir V.
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Abstract
The work presented in this dissertation was aimed at understanding biology's application of soft materials to enhance sensing abilities and initiate innovative bio-inspired material-based approaches for flow (fluidic and air) sensors and photo-thermal sensors. A key aim is to help strengthen this niche of functional materials science referred to, here, as bio-inspired materials in sensing roles. The work aspires to traverse the boundaries of the subject in order to provide a strong foundation for future scientific explorations of the subject. The studies presented here, include studies of flow sensing in fish and implementing a bio-mimetic approach to microfabricated flow sensors. The work also includes studies of material based signal filtering in spiders, as well as, bio-inspired photo-thermal transduction mechanisms. The capabilities of the methodology are demonstrated with successful engineering studies.
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Date Issued
2009-07-06
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Text
Resource Subtype
Dissertation