Introducing bio- and micro-technology into undergraduate thermal-fluids courses: investigating pipe pressure loss via atomic force microscopy.
To introduce bio- and micro-technologies into general undergraduate thermal-fluids classes, a hands-on interdisciplinary in-class demonstration is described that juxtaposes classical pressure loss pipe flow experiments against a modern micro-characterization technique, AFM profilometry. Both approaches measure surface roughness and can segue into classroom discussions related to material selection and design of bio-medical devices to handle biological fluids such as blood. Appealing to the range of engineering students populating a general thermal-fluids course, a variety of pipe/hose/tube materials representing a spectrum of disciplines can be tested using both techniques. This in-class demonstration relies on technical content already available in standard thermal-fluids textbooks, provides experimental juxtaposition between classical and micro-technology-enabled approaches to the same experiment, and can be taught by personnel with no specialized micro- or bio-technology expertise.
Department of Mechanical Engineering at the Milwaukee School of Engineering, Milwaukee, WI 53202-3109, USA.
Marcus
M
Müller
Matthew J
MJ
Traum
D001698:Biomedical Engineering / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation*; D032701:Biomimetics / Q000295:instrumentation; D003479:Curriculum; D018625:Microscopy, Atomic Force / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods*; D012212:Rheology / Q000193:education*; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*; D013816:Thermodynamics; D014481:United States