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| == [[Ionic Polymer Metal Composites (IPMC) modelling and control]] == | | == Bioengineering == |
| This research focuses on building EAP devices as well as methods for their control. Particularly, we are focusing at the following research problems:
| | {{#lsth:Bioengineering|Research Projects}} |
| * Electromechanical modelling of IPMC materials
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| * Design of novel IPMC actuators.
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| * Development of position sensors for IPMC actuators.
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| * Development of control methods of IPMC actuators to achieve less energy consumption at large output force and torque.
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| * Development of feedback control methods for IPMC actuators.
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| * Design of autonomous IPMC actuators and devices.
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| == Carbon-Polymer Composite Electroactive Materials == | | == Materials == |
| This research focuse on developing new materials based on carbide derived carbon, polymer matrix and ioni liquid composite materials. These materials are relatively strong and well controllable by open loop current control. It is possible to prepare either bending or expanding(linear) actuators. Particularly, we are focusing on:
| | {{#lsth:Materials|Research Projects}} |
| * Design of material with specific electromechanical properties (speed, force)
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| * Atomistic and electromechanical modelling of the material
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| * Design of the actuators suitable for Lab-on-Chip applications
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| * Development of the fabrication technology suitable for LoC applications
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| * Design of prototypes for several applications
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| ==[[Secure:EAP4SPACE|Radiation and temperature induced damage of ionic electroactive polymer materials for MEMS devices in space]]==
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| The mission of the proposal is to develop reliable actuators for MEMS devices in space craft. The reliability (or perceived lack thereof) of MEMS devices, rather than their actual performance, is limiting the acceptance of MEMS in spacecraft, despite their intrinsic appeal in view of their low mass, low power consumption, small volume, low vibration and simple kinematics and possible integration with control and sense electronics. Polymeric MEMS sensors and actuators are extremely appealing for reducing the size and mass of spacecraft without sacrificing functionality. In view of the harsh and remote environment of space, reliability and qualification is the crucial issues that are holding back MEMS from playing a larger role in space applications. Using smart microdevices will reduce cost of the mission. MEMS have been commercially adopted in large volumes in a number of earth‐bound applications, the most common being the safety critical accelerometers for automotive (airbag) applications, pressure sensors for engine management, and micro‐mirror arrays for display applications. There is a high level of interest in adapting MEMS from Earth application for Space, or developing MEMS for specific space applications. In all cases, radiation tolerance is a critical aspect.
| | == Computational Materials == |
| ''Major Objectives''
| | {{#lsth:Computational_Materials|Research Projects}} |
| * To study effects of extreme space conditions to Carbon-(polymer)-ionic-liquid(CIL) electroactive polymer (EAP) materials.
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| * To develop design techniques and packaging approaches to make CIL-EAP MEMS devices much less sensitive to trapped charge, ionization effects and temperature by geometry, materials, and control scheme improvements.
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| * To develop reliable testing and validation routine of ionic EAP materials for devices in spacecraft.
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| == [[Material study of conducting polymers]] == | | == Robotics == |
| | {{#lsth:Robotics|Selected projects}} |
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| Electronically conducting polymers, polypyrrole (PPy) in particular, have been under heavy investigation during the last decades. Their useful optical, conductive, ion-exchange properties have already found use at the industrial level in various capacitors, displays, sensors, analyzers, etc. In addition to the practical use of these “classical” properties, several promising applications of the conducting polymers have been proposed in recent years, employing the bio-compatibility or electromechanical features of these polymers. Unfortunately, the lack of fundamental atomistic understanding of the development of the properties of the conducting polymers is hindering the wider use of the novel applications proposed. Our main focus has been the establishment of the relationships between the synthesis conditions, the structure and the properties of the polymers. Another field of interest is the stability (both chemical and physical) of these materials (especially if used in air, aqueous solutions or bio-liquids). Electrochemistry, spectroscopy, electron- and probe microscopy as well as theoretical modeling have been employed in order to gain a better understanding of these issues.
| | == Soft Robotics == |
| | {{#lsth:Soft_Robotics|Research Projects}} |
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| ==[[Molecular dynamics studies of poly(ethylene oxide) based electrolytes]] [[Image:PEO small.png|right]]== | | == Ionic Liquids == |
| | {{#lsth:Ionic_Liquids|Projects}} |
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| Solid electrolytes for the Lithium-Ion Polymer Battery can be produced by mixing a lithium salt, typically LiPF<sub>6</sub> or LiBF<sub>4</sub>, into poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO), -(CH<sub>2</sub>CH<sub>2</sub>O)n-. However, such electrolytes only exhibit adequate ionic conductivity (>10<sup>-4</sup> S/cm) at temperatures above 70°C, where the polymer becomes amorphous. The conventional wisdom has been that the high degree of local order (“crystallinity”) is the reason for the poor ionic conductivity at ambient temperatures. Much attention has therefore been devoted to the task of increasing the amorphous content of the PEO electrolyte at ambient temperatures.
| | == Mixed Signal Microelectronics == |
| | | {{#lsth:Mixed_Signal_Microelectronics|Research Projects}} |
| <!--==[[Biomimetic Underwater Robot]]==
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| [[Image:allveerobot.jpg|100px|right]]
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| At present, underwater vehicles almost exclusively use propeller and jet engines for propulsion and motion control. Underwater vehicles using this technology are reliable, powerful and with a well established theoretical background. However, aquatic animals almost exclusively use other methods of locomotion. At the same time their behaviour is characterized by very efficient propulsion, great maneuverability and silent motion. This project developed a biomimetic underwater vehicle for shallow water application and the methods of it's control.
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| ==[[Computer-Aided Materials Design for Proton-Conducting Fluoropolymers]]==
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| Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations give us a chance to have close insights into Nafion's dynamics and local structure on molecular level. We can study the details of proton-conductivity and find out the mechanisms what can possibly improve this process.
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| We are interested in following research problems:
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| * design of the realistic and reliable Molecular Dynamics simulation model for Nafion as an electrolyte in the fuel cell,
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| * simulations of proton hopping mechanism between Nafion chain and surrounding water,
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| * the effects of Nafion side chains on the proton dynamics.
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| == [[ICT DCNet]] ==
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| Latvia (LV) and Estonia (EE) have been doing local ICT mechanic(robotics) activities for last few years. But all initiatives are planned and implemented inside one country. Some activities have been done on contest basis for many countries, but the continuity of the activities did not take place. In order to reduce national isolation and to foster external connectivity in a high value added innovative field of ICT mechanics, a joint project idea was developed. Project idea focuses on reducing external isolation by developing a joint Demo Centre [DC] network of exhibiting ICT mechanics solutions to foster information flow, by harmonising ICT study module, and by joint cross-border contests, thus to develop ICT network and improve overall access to ICT services through cross-border networking, cooperation and common information space. DC-s will be established on a joint ICT mechanics basis with each DC covering specific ICT niche. LV DC-s will cover satellite ICT DC and ICT mechanics (robotics) software DC. Tartu DC will cover ICT Mobile and location based services applications. Further activities are developed so to have a continuous joint character, by developing basic cross-border cooperation through study process, further involving DC that will work as prototype solutions exhibition places and finally getting together people interested in ICT mechanics, starting from school children, students, all enthusiasts, through joint contests. Thus a cycle of subactivities are planned to foster one joint aim of improving overall connectivity and access to information flow of innovative ICT solutions. Continuity of the program activities is ensured by developing basis for ICT mechanics further development and involving all stakeholders and interested parties. As a result cohesion of program area is increased and international competitiveness of program area is fostered.
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