Mechanical Engineering
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Item Experimental Characterization of Vascular Tissue Viscoelasticity with Emphasis on Elastin's Role(2010) Shahmirzadi, Danial; Hsieh, Adam; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)Elucidating how cardiovascular biomechanics is regulated during health and disease is critical for developing diagnostic and therapeutic methods. The extracellular matrix of cardiovascular tissue is composed of multiple fibrillar networks embedded in an amorphous ground substance and has been found to reveal time-dependent mechanical behavior. Given the multiscale nature of tissue biomechanics, an accurate description of cardiovascular biomechanics can be obtained only when microstructural morphology is characterized and put together in correlation with tissue-scale mechanics. This study constitutes the initial steps toward a full description of cardiovascular tissue biomechanics by examining two fundamental questions: How does the elastin microstructure change with tissue-level deformations? And how does the extracellular matrix composition affect tissue biomechanics? The outcome of this dissertation is believed to contribute to the field of cardiovascular tissue biomechanics by addressing some of the fundamental existing questions therein. Assessing alterations in microstructural morphology requires quantified measures which can be challenging given the complex, local and interconnected conformations of tissue structural components embedded in the extracellular matrix. In this study, new image-based methods for quantification of tissue microstructure were developed and examined on aortic tissue under different deformation states. Although in their infancy stages of development, the methods yielded encouraging results consistent with existing perceptions of tissue deformation. Changes in microstructure were investigated by examining histological images of deformed and undeformed tissues. The observations shed light on roles of elastin network in regulating tissue deformation. The viscoelastic behavior of specimens was studied using native, collagen-denatured, and elastin-isolated aortic tissues. The stress-relaxation responses of specimens provide insight into the significance of extracellular matrix composition on tissue biomechanics and how the tissue hydration affects the relaxation behavior. The responses were approximated by traditional spring-dashpot models and the results were interpreted in regards to microstructural composition.Item Integrated Measurement Technique To Measure Curing Process-dependent Mechanical And Thermal Properties Of Polymeric Materials Using Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors(2009) Wang, Yong; Han, Bongtae; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)An innovative technique based on a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor is proposed to measure the critical mechanical and thermal properties of polymeric materials. The properties include (1) chemical shrinkage evolution during curing, (2) modulus evolution during curing, (3) glass transition temperature (4) coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), and (5) visco-elastic properties. Optimum specimen configurations are proposed from the theoretical analysis. Then an efficient numerical procedure is established to determine the material properties from the measured Bragg wavelength (BW) shift. The technique is implemented with various polymeric materials. The measured quantities are verified through a self-consistency test as well as the existing testing methods such as a warpage measurement of a bi-material strip, and a TMA measurement. The evolution properties obtained at a curing temperature are extended further by combining them with the conventional isothermal DSC experiments. Based on the existing theories, the evolution properties can be predicted at any temperatures. The proposed technique greatly enhances the capability to characterize the mechanical properties and behavior of polymeric materials. Since the specimen preparation is very straightforward, the proposed method can be routinely practiced and the measurement can be completely automated. It will provide a much-needed tool for rapid but accurate assessment of polymer properties, which, in turn, will enhance the accuracy of predictive modeling for design optimization of a microelectronics product at the conceptual stage of product development.Item EVOLUTION OF THE MICROSTRUCTURE AND VISCOPLASTIC BEHAVIOR OF MICROSCALE SAC305 SOLDER JOINTS AS A FUNCTION OF MECHANICAL FATIGUE DAMAGE(2009) Cuddalorepatta, Gayatri; Dasgupta, Abhijit; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)The effect of mechanical cycling fatigue damage and isothermal aging histories on the evolution of the constitutive and fatigue responses, and microstructure of microscale SAC305 solder joints is investigated. In particular, the study examines if joint dependent behavior should be expected from as-fabricated and cycled microscale SAC305 joints that exhibit an initial non-homogenous coarse-grained Sn microstructure. In addition, the ability of traditionally used macroscale constitutive models based on continuum mechanics to represent the viscoplastic constitutive behavior of the non-homogenous as-fabricated microscale SAC305 specimens is explored. Insights into the effect of key microstructural features and dominant creep mechanisms influencing the measured viscoplastic behavior of SAC305 are provided using a multi-scale mechanistic modeling framework. Modified lap-shear microscale SAC305 specimens are characterized using the thermomechanical microscale test setup (TMM). Microscale SAC305 solder specimens show significant piece-to-piece variability in the viscoplastic constitutive properties under identical loading histories in the as-fabricated state. The mechanical response is strongly influenced by the grain microstructure across the entire joint, which is non-repeatable and comprises of very few highly anisotropic Sn grains. The statistical non-homogeneity in the microstructure and the associated variability in the mechanical properties in the microscale SAC305 test specimen are far more significant than in similar Sn37Pb specimens, and are consistent with those reported for functional microelectronics solder interconnects. In spite of the scatter, as-fabricated SAC305 specimens exhibit superior creep-resistance (and lower stress relaxation) than Sn37Pb. Macroscale creep model constants represent the non-homogeneous behavior of microscale joints in an average sense. Macroscale modeling results show that the range of scatter measured from macroscale creep model constants is within the range of scatter obtained from the stress relaxation predictions. Stress relaxation predictions are strongly sensitive to the inclusion or exclusion of primary creep models. The proposed multiscale framework effectively captures the dominant creep deformation mechanisms and the influence of key microstructural features on the measured secondary creep response of microscale as-fabricated SAC305 solder specimens. The multiscale model predictions for the effect of alloy composition on SAC solders provide good agreement with test measurements. The multiscale model can be extended to understand the effects of other parameters such as aging and manufacturing profiles, thereby aiding in the effective design and optimization of the viscoplastic behavior of SAC alloys. Accumulated fatigue damage and isothermal aging are found to degrade the constitutive and mechanical fatigue properties of the solder. The scatter gradually decreases with an increasing state of solder damage. Compared to the elastic-plastic and creep measurements, the variability in the fatigue life of these non-homogenous solder joints under mechanical fatigue tests is negligible. Recrystallization is evident under creep and mechanical fatigue loads. Gradual homogenization of the Sn grain microstructure with damage is a possible reason for the observed evolution of scatter in the isothermal mechanical fatigue curves. The yield stress measurements suggest that SAC305 obeys a hardening rule different from that of isotropic or kinematic hardening. The measured degradation in elastic, plastic and yield properties is captured reasonably well with a continuum damage mechanics model from the literature.Item MOLECULAR DYNAMICS SIMULATIONS OF LASER INDUCED SHOCK RESPONSE IN REACTIVE Ni/Al NANOLAMINATES(2009) Meissner, Alexander Blacque; Zachariah, Michael; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)To characterize the self-propagating, high-temperature exothermic alloying reactions of Ni/Al nanoscaled multilayered films induced by laser pulse shock loading, classical molecular dynamics simulations were performed. In the current work, a novel technique was developed to facilitate the energy input and distribution into nanolaminate thin films. The laser pulse shock loading technique enables the initial shock response of the material to be captured as well as the late-time mass diffusion controlled alloying reaction and Ni3Al formation. Shock compression raises the temperature, pressure, and density of the Ni and Al layers which triggers the Ni to diffuse into the Al and initiate the self-propagating alloying reaction. Thermodynamic states, enthalpy of reaction, and global reaction rates of the laminated films were obtained. It was determined that the series of complex rarefaction and reflection waves play a significant role in altering the thermodynamic state of the laminate. Attributes of the rarefaction and reflection waves are controlled by the geometry and thickness of the alternating layers. The dependence of layer thickness on the temperature, pressure, enthalpy of reaction, and global reaction rate was investigated and characterized.Item Fabrication and Characterization of Compositionally-Graded Shape Memory Alloy Films(2009) Cole, Daniel P.; Bruck, Hugh; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)The miniaturization of engineering devices has created interest in new actuation methods capable of high power and high frequency responses. Shape memory alloy (SMA) thin films have exhibited one of the highest power densities of any material used in these actuation schemes. However, they currently require complex thermomechanical training in order to be actuated, which becomes more difficult as devices approach the microscale. Previous studies have indicated that SMA films with compositional gradients have the added feature of an intrinsic two-way shape memory effect (SME). In this work, a new method for processing and characterizing compositionally-graded transformable thin films is presented. Graded NiTi SMA films were processed using magnetron sputtering. Single and multilayer graded films were deposited onto bulk NiTi substrates and single crystal silicon substrates, respectively. Annealing the films naturally produced a compositional gradient across the film-substrate or film-film interface through diffusion modification. The films were directly characterized using a combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), x-ray diffraction and Auger electron spectroscopy. The compositional gradient was indirectly characterized by measuring the variation in mechanical properties as a function of depth using nanoindentation. The similarity of the indentation response on graded films of varying thickness was used to estimate the width of the graded interface. The nanoindentation response was predicted using an analysis that accounted for the transformation effects occurring under the tip during loading and the variation of elastic modulus resulting from the compositional gradient. The recovery mechanisms of the graded films are compared with homogeneous films using a new nanoscale technique. An AFM integrated with a heating and cooling stage was used to observe the recovery of inelastic deformation caused through nanoindentation. The graded films exhibited a two-way SME with a reduced hysteresis, while the homogeneous films exhibited the classical one-way SME. The fabrication and characterization techniques developed in this work have the potential to be applied to general graded and multi-layer film systems.Item Processing-Structure-Microstructure-Property Relationships in Polymer Nanocomposites(2008-01-31) Kota, Arun Kumar; Bruck, Hugh A; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)The optimal development of polymer nanocomposites using carbon nanotube (CNTs) and carbon nanofiber (CNFs) fillers requires a complete understanding of processing-structure-property relationships. The purpose of this understanding is to determine the optimal approach for processing polymer nanocomposites with engineered microstructures and enhanced material properties. In this research, two processing techniques were investigated: solvent processing and twin screw extrusion. The former is a batch process which employs mixing a polymer solution with a filler suspension using long mixing times and low levels of shear mixing. The latter is a continuous process that mixes polymer melts with solid nanoscale ingredients using high levels of shear mixing for a short mixing time. Previous studies conducted on polymer-CNT/CNF using these processes have focused mainly on processing-microstructure and structure-property relationships using one technique or the other. This research focuses on understanding the processing-property relationships by comparing the structure-property relationships resulting from the two processes. Furthermore, the effect of ingredients and processing parameters within each process on microstructure and structure-property relationships was investigated. The microstructural features, namely, distribution of agglomerates, dispersion, alignment, and aspect ratio of the filler were studied using optical, scanning electron, confocal and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The composition of the filler was determined using thermogravimetric analysis. The electrical, rheological, thermo-oxidative and mechanical properties of the composites were also investigated. Many significant insights related to processing-structure-property relationships were obtained including: (a) deagglomeration is a critical combination of the magnitude of shear rate and the residence time, (b) the structure-property relationships can be modeled using a new methodology based on the degree of percolation by representing the material as an interpenetrating phase composite, (c) annealing can re-establish interconnectivity and improve electrical properties, (d) the degree of dispersion can be resolved using thermogravimetric analysis, and (e) increasing extrusion speed inhibits thermal decomposition and begins to asymptotically increase strength and stiffness through reduction in aspect ratio and size of agglomerates. Finally, a new combinatorial approach was developed for rapidly determining processing-structure relationships of polymer nanocomposites. This dissertation has broad implications in the processing of high performance and multifunctional polymer nanocomposites, combinatorial materials science, and histopathology.Item MODELING AND EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATIONS OF THE SHOCK RESPONSE OF VISCOELASTIC FOAMS(2007-03-22) Deigan, Richard James; Baz, Amr; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)This thesis presents a new constitutive model for closed-cell foams tailored for compressive shock loads and an experimental investigation of two commercial foam products. The new model requires just two characterization experiments to find material parameters, making it far more convenient than other approaches. A specific form of the hyperelastic free energy function is developed that permits an extension of a three-phase composite theory to finite strain hyperelasticity providing the following advantages: 1) identification of the hyperelastic free energy contributions associated with the gas and material phases, 2) elimination of deviatoric experiments for parameter determination, and 3) proper behavior at the densification limit. A viscoelastic model of the matrix shear modulus is used to introduce rate effects and plasticity. A time-incremental formulation of the constitutive model is developed and implemented using a finite element approach. Model results are compared with data obtained in high strain-rate experiments.Item Synthesis and integration of one-dimensional nanostructures for chemical gas sensing applications(2007-04-30) Parthangal, Prahalad Madhavan; Zachariah, Michael R; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)The need for improved measurement technology for the detection and monitoring of gases has increased tremendously for maintenance of domestic and industrial health and safety, environmental surveys, national security, food-processing, medical diagnostics and various other industrial applications. Among the several varieties of gas sensors available in the market, solid-state sensors are the most popular owing to their excellent sensitivity, ruggedness, versatility and low cost. Semiconducting metal oxides such as tin oxide (SnO2), zinc oxide (ZnO), and tungsten oxide (WO3) are routinely employed as active materials in these sensors. Since their performance is directly linked to the exposed surface area of the sensing material, one-dimensional nanostructures possessing very high surface to volume ratios are attractive candidates for designing the next generation of sensors. Such nano-sensors also enable miniaturization thereby reducing power consumption. The key to achieve success in one-dimensional nanotechnologies lies in assembly. While synthesis techniques and capabilities continue to expand rapidly, progress in controlled assembly has been sluggish due to numerous technical challenges. In this doctoral thesis work, synthesis and characterization of various one-dimensional nanostructures including nanotubes of SnO2, and nanowires of WO3 and ZnO, as well as their direct integration into miniature sensor platforms called microhotplates have been demonstrated. The key highlights of this research include devising elegant strategies for growing metal oxide nanotubes using carbon nanotubes as templates, substantially reducing process temperatures to enable growth of WO3 nanowires on microhotplates, and successfully fabricating a ZnO nanowire array based sensor using a hybrid nanowire-nanoparticle assembly approach. In every process, the gas-sensing properties of one-dimensional nanostructures were observed to be far superior in comparison with thin films of the same material. Essentially, we have formulated simple processes for improving current thin film sensors as well as a means of incorporating nanostructures directly into miniature sensing devices. Apart from gas sensing applications, the approaches described in this work are suitable for designing future nanoelectronic devices such as gas-ionization, capacitive and calorimetric sensors, miniature sensor arrays for electronic nose applications, field emitters, as well as photonic devices such as nanoscale LEDs and lasers.Item Pressureless Sintering of Powder Processed Graded Metal-Ceramic Composites Using a Nanoparticle Sintering Aid and Bulk Molding Technology(2007-02-21) Kruft, Jonathan; Bruck, Hugh; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)The need exists to fabricate graded metal-ceramic composites in bulk manufacturing processes for commercial applications. To address this need, a three-fold approach is employed: (1) control of the evolution of shrinkage strain and mechanical properties through the use of a nanoparticle sintering aid, (2) modeling of shrinkage-induced stresses to determine gradient architectures where cracking does not occur, and (3) fabrication of graded metal-ceramic composites using pressureless sintering and bulk molding technology. A new nanopowder TiO2 sintering aid was introduced to control the evolution of shrinkage and mechanical properties of graded Nickel-Alumina composites. The evolution of shrinkage strain and mechanical properties were then used in a recently developed two-dimensional microthermomechanical finite element analysis to determine the effects on shrinkage-induced stresses and develop gradient architectures where cracking would not occur. Finally, a laboratory-scale processing system based on a commercial bulk molding technology was developed to bulk process geometrically-complex gradient structures.Item LEAD ZIRCONATE TITANATE THIN FILMS FOR PIEZOELECTRIC ACTUATION AND SENSING OF MEMS RESONATORS(2005-12-07) Piekarski, Brett; DeVoe, Donald; Mechanical Engineering; Digital Repository at the University of Maryland; University of Maryland (College Park, Md.)This research is focused on examining the potential benefits and limitations of applying sol-gel lead zirconate titanate (PZT) piezoelectric thin films to on-chip piezoelectrically driven RF microelectromechanical system (MEMS) resonators in the low frequency (LF) to very high frequency (VHF) frequency range. MEMS fabrication methods are presented for fabricating PZT-based MEMS resonator structures along with investigations into the resultant thin film residual stresses and material properties, and their impact on resonator frequency, beam curvature, and resonant mode shape. The PZT, silicon dioxide (SiO2), platinum (Pt), and silicon nitride (Si3N4) thin film material properties are characterized and validated by wafer bow, cantilever resonance, cantilever thermal-induced tip deflection and finite element modeling (FEM) techniques. The performance of the fabricated PZT-based MEMS resonators are presented and compared to previously demonstrated zinc oxide (ZnO) based resonators as well as to electrostatically based MEMS resonator designs. Resonators with frequency response peaks of greater than 25 dB, quality factors up to 4700, and resonant frequencies up to 10 MHz are demonstrated along with a discussion of their advantages and disadvantages for use as MEMS resonators. Nonlinear resonator response is also investigated in relation to the onset of classic Duffing behavior, beam buckling and mode coupling. Fabrication techniques, operating conditions, and design rules are presented to minimize or eliminate nonlinear resonator response.