Award Abstract #0238987
CAREER: A Mechatronic-based Research and Educational Framework for Next Generation Actuators and Sensors Comprised of Functional Nanotube Composites

NSF Org:	CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation
Initial Amendment Date:	March 17, 2003
Latest Amendment Date:	August 31, 2006
Award Number:	0238987
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Shaochen Chen CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	May 15, 2003
Expires:	April 30, 2009 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$440000
Investigator(s):	Nader Jalili n.jalili@neu.edu (Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Clemson University 300 BRACKETT HALL CLEMSON, SC 29634 864/656-2424
NSF Program(s):	EXP PROG TO STIM COMP RES, NANOMANUFACTURING
Field Application(s):	0308000 Industrial Technology
Program Reference Code(s):	OTHR, MANU, 9150, 9146, 1788, 1187, 1045, 084E
Program Element Code(s):	9150, 1788

ABSTRACT

This Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Program award is to develop next-generation functional materials by systemically engineering macroscopic structures comprised of functional nanotubes. Nanocrystals and nanostructures are often cited as candidate materials that can be engineered to exhibit enhanced or entirely new properties for use in different applications. Specifically in this project, the individual boron nitride (BN) nanotubes that exhibit actuation mechanisms similar to that found in nature (i.e., slip-stick fibrillar motion) will be assembled to create new functional macrostructures. This novel concept originates from the newly observed piezoelectric (PZT) effect in BN nanotubes, which can be utilized to fabricate ceramic piezoelectric fibers with controllable expansion and contraction and astounding electrical and mechanical properties. Such actuation of nanotube networks is poorly understood at present, yet offers immense payoffs in the future if this property can be harnessed to make lightweight, strong, multifunctional composites. To achieve such development, this project will target: i) design and development of functional nanotube-based composite fibers made of BN nanotubes, ii) design and development of macroscopic actuators and sensors comprised of functional nanotube composites, and ultimately iii) development of analytical models and control experiment in order to be able to manipulate the nanoscopic properties and fabrication parameters to arrive at the desired macroscopic performance. The hypothesis here is that such systems theory-based approach will facilitate the automation of an iterative design process for the final macrostructure actuator/sensor subsystems and provide modularity and interchangeability between different nanoscopic to macroscopic configurations.

This research project offers a promising new type of actuator/sensor configuration that is based on dimensional changes and requires no dopant intercalation, which tremendously increases the actuator stroke and stress generation capabilities way above current technology. This actuator/sensor configuration has the potential for: i) establishing some of the early foundations for future nano-scale robotics via the utilization of nanotube-based devices, ii) creating next generation nano-scale pumps and nano-engines via a better understanding of the nanotube actuation mechanism, and (iii) utilization in many scientific disciplines such as vibration control, biomedical applications (drug delivery and tumor removal), and power generation applications. The educational plan of this CAREER project is centered on fostering the interdisciplinary aspects of the proposed research program through involving high-school students, K-12 math, computer science and physics teachers, undergraduate and graduate students. Specifically, this plan will include new cross-disciplinary graduate course development and implementation on nanotube-based actuators and sensors, retention and mentoring plan for underrepresented minorities and under-privileged students through two award-winning programs at Clemson University (PEER Program - Programs for Educational Enrichment and Retention and the WISE Program - Women In Science and Engineering), outreach program for secondary education through employing inquiry-based cooperative learning program for high-school students and K-12 teachers utilizing two NSF-funded initiatives (Clemson GK-12 project and the SMTG project of the AOP Hub of the South Carolina State Systematic Initiative), and finally development of an academe-industry-government partnership through Michelin Corporation and Solid State Division of the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.

PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

CONFERENCE PROCEEDINGS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH

Bashash, S; Jalili, N. "A polynomial-based linear mapping strategy for feedforward compensation of hysteresis in piezoelectric actuators," in ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition., v.130, 2008. 

Bashash, S; Jalili, N. "Adaptive robust control strategy for coupled parallel-kinematics piezo-flexural micro and nano-positioning stages," in ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition., 2008, p. 997-1006. 

Bashash, S; Salehi-Khojin, A; Jalili, N. "Forced vibration analysis of flexible Euler-Bernoulli beams with geometrical discontinuities," in American Control Conference 2008., 2008, p. 4029-4034. 

Hosseini, MR; Jalili, N. "Multiphysics, multiphase modeling of carbon nanotube synthesis process by chemical vapor deposition," in ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition., 2008, p. 1197-1206. 

Salehi-Khojin, A; Jalili, N. "A new modeling framework for piezoresponse force microscopy," in ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition., 2008, p. 187-192. 

Salehi-Khojin, A; Jalili, N. "An analytical modeling framework for piezoelectric-based microcantilever actuator/sensor with thermal effects consideration," in ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition., 2008, p. 169-175. 

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