Dissertation Defense Schedule
Academic Excellence
Sharing original dissertation research is a principle to which the University of Delaware is deeply committed. It is the single most important assignment our graduate students undertake and upon completion is met with great pride.
We invite you to celebrate this milestone by attending their dissertation defense. Please review the upcoming dissertation defense schedule below and join us!
PROGRAM | Mechanical Engineering
Sensing Mechanisms of Hierarchical Carbon Nanocomposite Sensors and their Applications in Structural Health Monitoring and Human Health Support
By: Amit Chaudhari Chair: Erik Thostenson
ABSTRACT
Carbon nanotubes are an excellent material choice in multiscale composites and nanocomposite films due to their extraordinarily high specific strength and stiffness, excellent electrical and thermal conductivities, and large aspect ratios. Research into using carbon nanotubes in a wide range of novel applications has been sparked by improvements in processing science and characterization techniques for nanomaterials. Scalable processes such as Aqueous electrophoretic deposition and dip coating processes are used to create conductive nanocomposite films of carbon nanotubes on non-conductive fabrics such as non-woven aramid and commercially available knit fabric. The fundamental sensing mechanism and key characteristics of fabric-based carbon nanocomposite sensors are investigated, along with an evaluation of these sensors’ potential application in structural health monitoring and wearable sensors.
The strain sensing response of carbon nanocomposite-coated knit fabric is significantly higher than typical polymer-based carbon nanotube strain sensors. When the sensor is worn over the elbow or knee, a resistance change of 3,000% is recorded during flexion/extension. This research combines computation, physical testing, and prototyping to investigate the underlying sensing mechanism of knit fabric sensors and develop multifunctional applications using carbon nanocomposites with non-woven and knit fabric. The knit fabric sensor is tested for repeatability and variability. Virtual Reality (VR) games for upper extremity exercise are developed, and the wearable sensor’s response is studied with End Point Robot (KinArm) and VR together. The wearable sensors’ response is repeatable and consistent with the elbow angle.
The strain sensing response of non-woven carbon nanotube-based sensing skins fabricated using different fabricating techniques and processing parameters is studied. Non-woven aramid carbon nanotube sensors are developed, tested, and validated for structural health monitoring applications. Characterization of sensing skins under different loading conditions is performed. The carbon nanotube-based sensor is also employed for hybrid metal and composite structures, such as pressure vessels or pipes, adherently bonded to detect damage due to unexpected loading and service conditions. Carbon nanocomposite sensors can detect a variety of unforeseen loads, such as impact/scratch/ overloading, etc., and a health monitoring system can provide real-time sensing data from remote locations.
The Process
Step-by-Step
Visit our “Step-by-Step Graduation Guide” to take you through the graduation process.From formatting your Dissertation to Doctoral Hooding procedures.
Dissertation Manual
Wondering how to set up the format for your paper. Refer to the “UD Thesis/Dissertation Manual” for formatting requirements and more.
Defense Submission Form
This form must be completed two weeks in advance of a dissertation defense to meet the University of Delaware Graduate and Professional Education’s requirements.
