Movement with light: Photoresponsive shape morphing of printed liquid crystal elastomers
Not Available
3D printing↗
Engineering topics
Mancini, Julie A.
Publications and source records attributed to Mancini, Julie A..
Selective Heating Through Y-Junction Waveguide Designed by Acoustic Shape Optimization
Unlike phononic crystals or systems designed by topology optimization, waveguides designed by shape optimization do not have voids or internal defects, making the fabrication process more suitable for additive manufacturing. By designing a Y-junction waveguide through shape optimization, an ultrasonic wave can be controlled so that it propagates to a predetermined location just by adjusting its frequency. These demultiplexed ultrasonic waves can be used to transport signals or stimulate nearby materials. As an example, the ultrasonic wave is converted to heat at different locations, which can be applied to mechanisms that can take advantage of heating. First, shape optimization is performed on a cylindrical structure to selectively propagate ultrasonic waves of a particular frequency while attenuating others, which is analyzed through a finite element model. The numerical study results are compared with experimental measurements from samples fabricated through additive manufacturing methods. After verifying the concept, the Y-junction waveguide is fabricated to demultiplex the wave and selectively heat different locations. Here the results show that the method of combining shape optimization with additive manufacturing is exceptionally simple and capable of demultiplexing ultrasonic waves, which can replace complex electrical components with single-material waveguides.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗
Parallelized multiple nozzle system and method to produce layered droplets and fibers for microencapsulation
The present disclosure relates to a nozzle system for use in a microfluidic production application for producing at least one of particles, capsules or fibers. The system has a main body portion having a compressed fluid inlet and a core fluid inlet, and a plurality of parallel arranged core fluid nozzles that receive the core fluid and create a plurality of core fluid streams. At least one compressed fluid inlet associated with the main body channels compressed fluid to areas adjacent ends of the core fluid nozzles. An apertured plate having a plurality of apertures is arranged near the ends of the core fluid nozzles, with each aperture being uniquely associated with a single one of the core fluid nozzles. The compressed fluid acts on the core fluid streams exiting the core fluid nozzles to help create, with the apertures, at least one of core fluid droplets or core fluid fibers from the core fluid streams.
Ye, Congwang↗
Systems and methods for additive manufacturing to encapsulate transformative colloidal suspensions
The present disclosure relates to an energy absorbing three dimensional (3D) structure. The structure may have an outer shell formed from a shell material. The outer shell may have a void forming a core volume. A transformative feedstock is contained in the void. The transformative feedstock is encapsulated within the outer shell, within the void, and provides enhanced energy absorbing properties to the 3D structure.
Mancini, Julie A.↗
Carbon aerogels with integrated engineered macroporous architectures for improved mass transport
Carbon aerogels (CAs) combine unique properties including ultra-high surface area, high electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and robust mechanical properties making them ideal materials for electrochemical applications. Traditional CA synthesis results in isotropic, random nanoporous networks that work well for applications relying on diffusional mass transport. However, many applications would benefit from integration of engineered macroporous network structures that enable directed pressure-gradient-driven mass transport. In this study, we report on using 3D-printed sacrificial polymeric templates to generate templated CAs (t-CAs) with integrated engineered nonrandom macroporous network structures. Specifically, we used projection micro-stereo-lithography (PμSL) and two-photon polymerization direct laser writing (2PP-DLW) to fabricate millimeter-to-centimeter-sized 3D sacrificial polymeric templates with features ranging from tens of microns (PμSL) to 100s of nanometers (2PP-DLW). T-CAs were fabricated by infiltrating the templates with resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) precursor solution, followed by carbonization at 1050 °C to simultaneously convert the RF gel to a CA and decompose the 3D-printed template, leaving an embedded templated macroporous network structure behind. X-ray computer tomography confirms integration of the macroporous architecture defined by the template. The templated macroporous architecture improves mass transport in t-CAs compared to traditional bulk CA as demonstrated by more uniform activation and their response in electrochemical cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests.
36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗