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Dr. Keating's projects center around 3
core areas of research, namely Bioengineering, porous silicon and microfluidics, with new projects on Engineering Dynamics in 2011.
These projects range from the building of instrumentation, including
actuators, sensors and control systems (ideal for mechatronics students) to
investigation studies requiring possible fabrication and subsequent
measurement and analysis of the devices we are interested .
The Following projects are avaiable to final year students: Students working
on projects under Dr Keating collaborate with other final year students, PhDs, researchers and academics. A copy of these projects is avaiable to download in pdf form.
Bioengineering
Irehab: An ipod interface to assist with hand
rehabilitation
Background: This project was initiated in S1 2009 and has culminated with the
development of an application running on an itouch which provides 3 dedicated
hand rehabilitation tests. The system
also included a dedicate force transducer allowing the force applied to the
screen of the itough to be measured during testing. The aim is to allow patients to monitor their
own progress and provide quantitative data to clinician.
Project: To expand the project we require a physical hardware link between the force transducer and the itouch allowing the flow and
interchange of information between the sensor and the itouch. In addition, additional applications are
required based on patient and clinical feedback. The student will work with Dr. Keating and
well as Gary Thickbroom from ANRI and will be encouraged to contribute new
ideas towards the advancement of this technology.
Measuring upper
body position during sleep in sleep apnea patients.
Background: A final
year BioEgineering final year project is being offer in collaboration with the West
Australian Sleep Disorders Research Institute (based at Sir Charles
Gairdner Hospital) and the Sensors and Advanced Instrumentation
Laboratory in Mechanical Engineering. Supervisors include Dr. Adrian
Keating (Mech Eng) and A/Prof. Peter Eastwood (Dept Anat & Human
Biol). 
Project: The aim
of the project is to examine the effect of changes in uncontrolled head
postures in sleep apnea patients. Therefore, we need to quantify head
posture during sleep. However no device has been found which can
accurately perform this task. In this project, the student will
gain an understanding of the various issues involved in making such measurements
and subsequently create and interface-to a series of sensors which can measure
the angular position (qx, qy, qz) of the
head, mandible and chest of a sleep apnea patient (see illustration
below). Data is to be measured and logged as the patient sleeps.
Miniature sensors (possible Micro-Electro-Mechanical accelerometers and
gyroscopes) are to be mounted and easily connected to the patient.
Issues to be addressed include the number
to sensors, speed of acquisition, sensors accuracy (relative and absolute),
location of sensors and sensor selection, (type, analogue or digital).
Interfacing to the existing system and software for data logging is also an
important part of this project. The student will be expected to work
closing with the team at Sir Charles Gardiner Hospital. If time
permits, wireless interfacing to the sensors will be investigated to reduce the
number of leads around the patient. This project would suit a Mechatronics,
EE or Mech. engineering student with some background or interest in
interfacing and electronics.
Porous Silicon – An advanced sensor material
An automated Gantry for advanced growth of porous silicon
Background: Porous
silicon is a novel material for many opto-electronics applications. We are currently investigating growing porous
silicon using a multiple bath containing Hdrofluric acid (HF) to achieve the
anodization conditions required.
Project: To be
able to perform these studies safely and in an automated fashion a robotic
gantry to move the porous-silicon growth cell between the baths is
needed. A preliminary 2 axis gantry has been developed. The system needs to be advanced by including
advanced interface software, additional axis of control, temperature control
and chemical resistance. The system will
be controlled using a computer through a micro-controller. The student undertaking
this project will gain basic knowledge of the porous silicon growth process and
how the system is aiming to improve on current limitations. The project will
involve skills in mechanical and electronic design, and as such will ideally
suit a mechatronics engineer although mechanical and electrical engineers are
encouraged to consider this project.
Effect of thermal annealing on the properties of porous silicon.
Background: We have
developed a novel method to improve the environmental stability of porous
silicon films. The method involves
heating the sample in a rapid thermal annealer in N2.
Project: To
better understand this annealing process, the effect of annealing time,
temperature and gas flow, we need detailed models to be developed. Initial modeling will use ANSYS, however the
student will be encouraged to contribute to the selection of the modeling
method. Our aim is to use these models
to compare with the extensive experimental
data we have to date. Through
analysis and comparison of models and measurements, the student will be
encourage to provide input on improved annealing conditions. An
understanding of the annealing process will be of high interest in the field,
and will most likely lead to a publication in an international journal of
standing.
Measuring the roughness of porous silicon material via optical
scattering
Background: We have detailed models which can extract
material paramaters from a reflectance measurement of porous silicon. However,
up to 5 paramaters need to be fit – refractive index, thickness, roughness,
loss, wavelength dependence. In order to
improve the model we want to measure roughness via another method.
Aim:
Scattering of light from the surface of the porous silicon will be used to
measure the roughness of the sample. The
measurement will scan a detector over a range of angles across the sample. The measurement will be repeated at many
points across the sample to measure the spatial dependence of the
roughness. Measurements will be compared
with a model to enable analysis of the results.
Build a
micro-gram scale for gravimetric measurements of porosity in porous silicon
Background: To find the porosity (density of holes) in
porous silicon it is required to measure the weight of the silicon before and
after forming pores (porosification).
However, the expected change in weight is in the order of 10-4 grams,
requiring a scale with an accuracy of at least 10-times less than this
value. Commercial scales often
compromise between range of measurement and accuracy. However, the largest weight we expect to
measure is the bare silicon, which comes to around 1.4 grams, requiring a
dynamic range of only 10^5.
Project: This project aims to build,
characterize and calibrate a highly accurate scale for porous silicon. The system has been significantly advanced by
a student in 2010 and requires further study, improvement and
characterization. The student will analyse
porous silicon samples and determine the porosity verse anodization
current. This project is perfect for
mechatronics, EE students and those with some electronics background. The student will gain an understanding of
porous silicon and it’s applications, design, build, test and analyze a highly
accurate scale and address the issues associated with the scale accuracy
including drift due to temperature, humidity and air movements. Skills in signal processing, mechanical
design and control will be developed as part of the project.
Mapping
micro-photoelelastic induced changes for characterization of biosensors
Background:
Microcantilever (~100
micron length) based biosensors are a novel next generation approach to
building high sensitivity sensor arrays.
Project: The aim of this project is to create
a computer controlled system which focuses a pulsed high power laser onto an
absorbing thin film. The absorbed
thermal pulse is expected to cause localized thermal expansion, resulting in a
propagating acoustic wave. A laser
Doppler vibrometer will be used to measure the induced vibrations. After programming of the XY-motion stage and
laser to map the surface, the process will be characterized to determine the
magnitude of the induced thermal expansions.
Using simple structures such as micro-cantilevers, the project will
investigate optimal locations where the photo-induced thermal expansion can be
applied.
Microfluidic
and Lab-on-Chip Technologies
Particle separation using acoustophoresis on a Lab-on-Chip
platform
Background: Lab-on-chip research at UWA focuses
on techniques which can allow rapid analysis of ultra-small volumes of human
breast milk. This project is aimed at
improving the quality of care for pre-term babies by quantifying the energy
content in the milk they are being feed.
This will enable accurate and appropriate milk-supplements to be
provided to the preterm baby. Failure to
provide preterm babies with the appropriate levels of nutrients has been shown
to retard physical and mental development well into the child’s life. Our goal is to implement fat, lactose and
protein assays on-chip, however separation of fat is required as a first step
as it can clog the microfluidic channels and it interferes with lactose and
protein assays.
Project: This project uses acoustophoresis (ultrasonic
particle separation) to setup a standing wave within the microchannel (see
Figure 4a). The acoustic pressure pushes
fat to the standing-wave anti-nodes, which can be subsequently separated/routed
to a specific microchannel outlet (see Figure 4b). A new concept has been developed by our team
which enables this approach to be applied using plastic substrates. This requires the heat generated on chip to
be minimized. In order to study these
effects our projects consist of one of (or a mix, depending on you skill):
1)
Particle imaging and
measurement system – Our idea is to drive a signal generator, while measuring
the image of the separated particle via a camera. Using image analysis (matlab or other apps),
each time stamped image is compared with the previous image to determine how
the particles move after the applicartion of the acoustic pressure. Using stokes law, we expect we can determine
particle/system properties from these measurements.
2)
Modeling and design to
reduce acoustic powers. Several simple
techniques are expected to significantly reduce the acoustic powers required to
separate particles. Students will
investigate these using an existing model and compare with experimental
measurements. Methods to measure the temperature
increase in the microfluidic channel due to the acoustic power will be studied
if time permits.
3)
The study of structures to
focus acoustic energy into the mcirochannel.
The student(s) will study these
concepts through a mix of (one or more) fabrication, testing, system
construction and modeling. This work is
undertaken in collaboration with Dr. Nick Harris (University of Southampton,
UK) and Prof. Peter Hartmann (Biomedical, Biomolecular and Chemical Sciences,
UWA). The project provides the student
with an understanding of ultrasonics and microfluidics.
Particle separation using
Pinched Flow Fractionation – a parthway towards high resolution spatial
particle filtering
Background:
This project investigates particle separation techniques which can be used to
investigate the phenomena of growth rate dispersion. To achieve this, particles must be separated
with extremely high precision.
Project: The student will
build on work started in 2010 which achieved a modest degree of particle
separation on chip using pinched flow fractionation (PFF), see Figure 5. Microfluidic devices will be designed,
fabricated and test by the student. The
results obtained will be compared with exterimental models. The student will be encouraged to consider
techniques other than PFF where appropriate.
High
aspect ratio etching of metal – application to microfluidic devices
Background:
Microfluidic devices being developed at UWA provide a path to full development of Lab-on-a-chip
technologies which attempt to integrate advanced chemical and biosesning
features on a chip. Our microfluidic
devices are fabricated using a simple scheme which imprints the desired pattern
into a plastic substrate using a metal mold.
Features can be easily created in metal with channel heights of 30-70
using photolithographically defined masks having lateral features
~100 m. However, fabrication of
the metal molds relies on wet chemical etching, which results in significant
undercut of the mask; typically cross
sectional profiles of channels have a trapezoidal shape, with side wall angles
around 45°. Two methods
have been reported in the literature which have achieved significantly improved
sidewalls, with angles approaching 90°. These methods make use of either banking
agents and jet spray etching. Banking
agents can passivate the side walls and reduce undercut, while spray etching
physically removes metal in the line of sight of the spray.
Project: This
project requires a review of these methods and subsequent investigation of one
or combination of both. Once molds with
improved sidewall profiles are produced, microfluidic designs will be
implemented and compared with previous results using unoptimized molds. Our expectation is that this work should lead
to either a conference or journal publication, as the results are of
significant interest to those undertaking microfluidics research. The interested student is encouraged to have
some interest or background in chemistry, experimental process development and
provide input into either the purchase of construction of a spray etcher. Supervisors for this work are Dr. Adrian
Keating and Dr. Matt Harding
References for project
High aspect ratio etching…..:
1. COOMBS,CF - PRINTED CIRCUITS HANDBOOK.
Electronic Engineer, 1967. 26(7): p.
111-&.
2. Alkire, R. and H. Deligianni, THE ROLE OF MASS-TRANSPORT ON ANISOTROPIC
ELECTROCHEMICAL PATTERN ETCHING. Journal of the Electrochemical Society,
1988. 135(5): p. 1093-1099.
3. Jung, J.W., G.M. Choi, and D.J. Kim, Experimental study on spray etching process
in micro fabrication of lead frame. Ksme International Journal, 2004. 18(12): p. 2294-2302.
4. Kao, A.S., et al., ETCH PROFILE DEVELOPMENT IN SPRAY ETCHING PROCESSES. Journal of the
Electrochemical Society, 1992. 139(8):
p. 2202-2211.
5. Papapanayiotou, D., H. Deligianni, and R.C.
Alkire, Effect of benzotriazole on the
anisotropic electrolytic etching of copper. Journal of the Electrochemical
Society, 1998. 145(9): p. 3016-3024.
6. Rao, P.N. and D. Kunzru, Fabrication of microchannels on stainless
steel by wet chemical etching. Journal of Micromechanics and
Microengineering, 2007. 17(12): p.
N99-N106.
7. Schlabac.Td, COOMBS,CF - PRINTED CIRCUITS HANDBOOK. Ieee Spectrum, 1967. 4(6): p. 138-&.
8. Shih, C.W., Y.Y. Wang, and C.C. Wan, Anisotropic copper etching with
monoethanolamine-complexed cupric ion solutions. Journal of Applied
Electrochemistry, 2003. 33(5): p.
403-410.
9. Shin, C.B. and D.J. Economou, EFFECT OF TRANSPORT AND REACTION ON THE
SHAPE EVOLUTION OF CAVITIES DURING WET CHEMICAL ETCHING. Journal of the
Electrochemical Society, 1989. 136(7):
p. 1997-2004.
10. Sideris, G., COOMBS,CF - PRINTED CIRCUITS HANDBOOK. Electronics, 1967. 40(9): p. 150-&.
11. Yeh, T.K., et al., Improved shape evolution of copper interconnects prepared by jet-stream
etching. Journal of Applied Electrochemistry, 2008. 38(11): p. 1495-1500.
Advancing
Education in Engineering Dynamics
Demonstrations with sensors of realtime measurement in lectures
(MECH1401)
Background: Mechanical Engineering students learn Engineering
Dynamics in 1st year and are aware of the difficult of the material
as well as the concepts involved. This project
aims to have a number of students build physical demonstrations that can be
used in lectures to explain concepts covered in the unit MECH1401.
Aim: Students
will chose 2 mechanical systems to demonstrate kinematic and kinetic concepts –
these systems may be drawn from the standard text in this unit (Meiam and
Kraige). Students will analyze the
operation of this system and design a “lego” like physical model that fits
under lecture “visualize) (A4 size). The
model will include motors and servos to allow controlled movement as well as
sensors to measure position, velocity, acceleration, and angular position,
angular velocity. Students will use the
output of the sensors to predict some property of the system, which can be
compared to theory. This has the
potential to be used in student labs in later years. Some students may be involved with the
sensors side of the project, other with the design, build and analysis of the
mechanical system. Up to 4 students can
be working on this project
Note to students :
Students under the supervision of Dr. Keating work in teams and meet as a team weekly with Dr. Keating. Students are expected to produce a weekly
written report (<1page) describing what they have done in the last week (any
results) and what they will do in the next week. This report is as much for the supervisor as
the student, as it keep’s all parties engaged and up to date. When students write their project up in a
final thesis, these weekly reports are a great benefit in reviewing the project
development through the year. Students
are also expected to give 1 presentation to the research group each year
(ungraded) which students have said, provides valuable feedback which students
use to improve the quality of their final year conference presentation. Please email Dr. Keating (adrian.keating [infrontof]
@uwa.edu.au) directly if you are interested in any projects. Projects are modified to account for student
specific skills and interests. We have 16
projects total, 2 Bioengineering projects, 5 advanced silicon sensor projects, 5
Lab-on-Chip Technologies projects and 4 mechanical demonstrations for use in
Engineering Dynamics (MECH1401). Many of these projects can support more than 1
student working on them.
Previous Projects (Sem 1 2008) historical only
Previous Projects (Sem 2
2008) historical only
Previous Projects (Sem 1 2009) historical only
Previous Projects (Sem 2 2009) historical only
Previous Projects (Sem 1 2010) historical only
Previous Projects (Sem 2 2010) historical only
Contact Dr. Keating directly
to discuss any of these projects.
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