Subjects for final works and project works

    In the following areas, various tasks are continuously assigned for project and final theses. In addition, the topics offered at the Institute for Automation and Communication (ifak e.V. Magdeburg) can also be found below.

     

    1) Human-Technology Interaction

    • The development of haptic (tactile) actuators based on structural vibrations in plates is at the centre of this research activity. The analysis and synthesis of temporally and locally defined deflections using the time reversal of elastic waves is in the foreground. By developing a comprehensive understanding of the complex transient sound fields in homogeneous and heterogeneous media, of the sound converter behaviour and evaluation of reflection and scattering effects, a utilization for multi-touch interaction systems should be made possible. (Contact: Falco Edner)

     

     

    2) Ultrasonic Focusing and Energy Harvesting

    • By means of different arrangements and control of a defined number of ultrasonic transmitters, the energy is bundled (focussed) at a specific point. This can be used for the levitation of particles in air, but also for the provision of energy for sensors that are difficult to access, by harnessing the sound energy through energy harvesting processes. Other tasks in this area relate to focusing methods based on predefined geometric surfaces. The range of topics includes various simulation tasks, experimental work, programming of different systems and hardware development. (Contact: Falco Edner)

     

     

    3) Impedance spectroscopy

    • The aim of the research work is the development and construction of novel impedance analysis systems for the determination of dielectric material properties of liquid material systems or media with liquid and solid phase. In addition to the development of macroscopic test systems for the analysis of industry-related systems, novel microsystems are also a goal of development. With the help of microtechnology, these novel microsystems can be developed and manufactured in the MEMS clean room of the OvGU. Based on the previous work, already developed macro- and microsystems are available for first tests and analyses. (Contact: Dr. Marc-Peter Schmidt)

     

     

    4) 3D printing of microfluidic systems

    • The aim of the project is to develop and produce novel microfluidic and micromechanical 3D structures from non-standard filament materials. Among other things, the first parameter studies for finding and optimizing the production of minute structures and high-precision 3D elements as well as the smoothing of surface structures are to be carried out using suitable methods. An Ultimaker 3 Extended is currently available for this purpose. (Contact: Dr. Marc-Peter Schmidt)

     

     

    5) FEM simulation of microfluidic separation systems

    • The FEM investigation of the microfluidic behavior of single-phase and multi-phase media (liquid or solid/liquid) in separation systems is the main focus of this topic. For this purpose, two-dimensional and three-dimensional model designs created in advance are to be converted into FEM models and subsequently investigated with corresponding model parameter studies in order to be able to make statements about the behaviour of the microfluidic separation systems. The FEM simulation tools ANSYS or COMSOL can be used. Previous knowledge of one of the two tools is desirable. (Contact: Dr. Marc-Peter Schmidt)

     

     

    6) Development of particle separation systems

    • The aim is the development of novel systems for the separation of nanoparticles from the liquid phase or the separation of nanoparticles according to their physical properties. Passive and active separation processes such as field flow fractionation or dielectrophoresis will be used. The separation systems to be developed must first be theoretically investigated and then tested in practical experiments. (Contact: Dr. Marc-Peter Schmidt)

     

    7) Process development: Bonding of glasses

    • Various manufacturing and joining processes exist for the development of novel microfluidic systems. One of these processes is the joining of glasses using UV adhesives. In the project work, structured and unstructured glasses have to be wetted with a UV-sensitive adhesive, precisely aligned and then joined. The focus here is on avoiding air inclusions and high-precision substrate alignment. (Contact: Dr. Marc-Peter Schmidt)

     

     

    8) Process development: removal of moldmass

    • Today's microchips are manufactured from a wide variety of materials and with the aid of countless manufacturing processes. However, due to process errors during production or overload during use, the microchips may fail. For error analysis, it is necessary to remove the encapsulation of the chip as gently and as residue-free as possible. The aim of the project work is the further development of an existing chemical process for the removal of different moldmasses. Previous knowledge in the field of chemical structuring/etching is advantageous and desirable. (Contact: Dr. Marc-Peter Schmidt)

     

    9) Topics available at ifak e.V.:

    • Phased array system for measuring and displaying dispersion along (any) propagation paths (plates, pipes, hoses)
    • Investigation of methods of mathematical optimization for the determination of acoustic parameters of layers: Parameter estimation of acoustic quantities (model-based characterization of multiphase layers)
    • The mobile phone as sensor App-based data acquisition and visualization
    • Mobile communication interface for remote commissioning of sensor systems (e.g. ultrasonic flow)
    • Flow measurement based on chaotic cavities and time reversal
    • Investigation of the influence / manipulation of smallest particles and microbubbles in thin fluid channels by acoustic fields using the time reversal method in a) cavities and b) waveguides along the propagation direction
    • Acoustic characterization of bubble reactors (construction, modelling and sound measurement on bubble columns, topic: microbubbles in liquids)
    • Optimization of an acoustic waveguide (for fluid analysis)
    • Matlab toolbox for time-frequency analysis and local-time filtering
    • Measuring station for acoustic material characterization
    • Wireless acoustic sensor (sonar for density measurement) (contact: Sebastian Wöckel)

     

    10) 3D-printed microfluidic sensor chip via FDM technology (Ultimaker 3 Extended Printer)

    • Can be optionally selected from: Surface smoothness, possibilities of joining parts (for complex geometry), adhesion, leakage problem, implementation of additional components (contact: Hanna Petrova)

     

    11) Investigation of the properties and possibilities of different conductive filaments as well as their limitations by FDM technology (Ultimaker 3 Extended Printer)

    • Design of diverse and complex geometry (electrodes, circuits)
    • Knowledge of design programs is desirable, e.g. SolidWorks (contact: Hanna Petrova)

     

    12) PVDF filament as material for 3D printing

    • Investigation of piezoelectric properties, activation process, piezoelectric effects and application (films for sensors, actuators) (Contact: Hanna Petrova)

     

    Last Modification: 11.04.2019 - Contact Person: Webmaster