Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 
 

Files

File List


akron1217275502.pdf (6.02 MB)

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Pressure Control System for the Electrospinning Process: Non-invasive Fluid Level Detection Using Infrared and Ultrasonic Sensors

Druesedow, Charles Joseph
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1217275502

Abstract Details

2008, Master of Science, University of Akron, Mechanical Engineering.
Electrospinning is a method for producing micro and nano sized synthetic fibers through the use of electrostatic forces. This phenomenon has been known since early in the 20th century, but has had an increase in interest since the 1990's due to their potential applications in textiles, electronics, and the biomedical field. To make electrospinning a commercially viable fiber production method requires the high volume production of continuous, uniform diameter fibers that are free of defects. To achieve greater control over the process variables that affect the fiber formation, a scaleable closed loop control system that can maintain a constant pressure at the capillary tip was designed. Two sensing technologies, infrared and ultrasonic, were used and compared for their ability to detect the height of the polymer solution in the electrospinning fluid container. The air pressure above the solution was measured with a pressure transducer and adjusted through a controllable syringe pump that was controlled through a custom LABVIEW program. A simulation of the jet formation was also performed by programming the derived equation of motion of the electrospun jet in MATLAB. The closed loop electrospinning system was successful at controlling and maintaining a constant pressure at the capillary tip to within 2% of the specified pressure over a 24-hour period. The control system was also able to create a defect free fiber mat when the pressure and voltage at the capillary tip were carefully selected. The adjustments of the pressure at the capillary tip did not show a strong correlation to controlling the fiber diameter or uniformity. Though a closed loop electrospinning control system was designed and implemented, the use of pressure control at the capillary tip to create a closed loop control system for the electrospinning process may not be the optimal solution for controlling the diameter of the produced fibers. The simulation of the jet using MATLAB's differential equation solver, ode45, was successful but limited in accuracy by the number of beads that could be used in the simulation.
Celel Batur, PhD (Advisor)
Miko Cakmak, PhD (Advisor)
100 p.
Mechanical Engineering; Polymers
Electrospinning; Control System; Pressure; Infrared; Ultrasonic

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Druesedow, C. J. (2008). Pressure Control System for the Electrospinning Process: Non-invasive Fluid Level Detection Using Infrared and Ultrasonic Sensors [Master's thesis, University of Akron]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1217275502

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Druesedow, Charles. Pressure Control System for the Electrospinning Process: Non-invasive Fluid Level Detection Using Infrared and Ultrasonic Sensors. 2008. University of Akron, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1217275502.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Druesedow, Charles. "Pressure Control System for the Electrospinning Process: Non-invasive Fluid Level Detection Using Infrared and Ultrasonic Sensors." Master's thesis, University of Akron, 2008. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=akron1217275502

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

akron1217275502
2,501
© 2008, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Akron and OhioLINK.