Openings for research assistants in Mechanical Engineering August 27, 2012 The list below presents research opportunities for graduate students in Mechanical Engineering, as of the beginning of Fall Semester 2012. In some cases, as indicated, the openings are funded and in other cases, the openings are unfunded. Additional openings, not shown here, may become available during the fall and spring semesters. Prof. Alptekin Aksan (2-3 RA positions - available immediately) Smart Reactive Bioreactive Material for Bioremediation: We focus on developing nanoporous silica biomaterials to stably encapsulate reactive biologics (mainly, enzymes and bacteria) to produce reactive coatings and bioreactors to be used in removing chemicals from wastewater. The porous gel encapsulating the reactive biological enables control and protection, while enhancing the activity of the encapsulated biological material. In very close collaboration with the Biotechnology Institute, in an NSF-funded project we focus on developing biomaterials to be used in bioremediation of the industrial, and agricultural wastewaters, with specific emphasis placed on degrading the chemicals that exits in the waters used in oil and gas extraction. Biopreservation of Human Serum: Currently, millions of serum biospecimens are being stored in biorepositories across the nation, while tens of thousands of new biospecimens are added to the pool daily. These biospecimens are stored for future research, mainly for biomarker discovery and verification (e.g. for diagnostic, therapeutic, and epidemiologic outcomes). In most biorepositories, serum is stored by freezing without following any preservation protocol. This NIH-funded research focuses on developing the techniques to store serum biospecimens at room temperature using isothermal vitrification technology. Isothermal vitrification is the process by which liquids doped with sugars are desiccated to a “glass” (a very viscous fluid). In this state, biochemical reactions are halted, degradation of the specimen is stopped, and macromolecules are stabilized in their native states. Note: Prof. Aksan is on sabbatical until August 2013 but is available for discussions over e-mail (aaksan@umn.edu) and Skype. He is actively soliciting students for the RA positions available immediately. Please contact him directly for any inquiries. Prof. John Bischof The bioheat and mass transfer laboratory (BHMT) at the University of Minnesota is dedicated to the study of thermophysical and biological changes within biomaterials after thermal manipulations (esp.. heating or cooling). This work is broadly in the scientific fields of thermal biology including cryobiology (low temperature biology) and hyperthermic biology, with particular focus in the following application areas: (1) Nanomedicine, (2) Thermal Therapies, (3) Cryo and Biopreservation and (4) Thermal/Mechanical Properties. The areas with support include: iron oxide and gold nanoparticles to enhance thermal therapies. For example, iron oxide can be used for detection and heating of cancer. In addition, gold nanoparticles can be used to deliver drugs or neo-adjuvants and to heat cancer locally by their excitation due to electro-magnetic and optical sources. In addition, support is anticipated in the area of microscale biomaterial thermal property estimation and predictive modeling, a new and evolving area of biotransport research. 1 Prof. Tom Chase (1 Opening) Design of Efficient Digital Displacement Hydraulic Pump/Motors: Digital displacement hydraulic pump/motors have the ability to effectively vary the piston displacement stroke-by-stroke. They have potential for higher efficiency than alternative pump/motors, particularly at low displacements. We are developing novel digital pump/motor designs which exploit a unique valve architecture developed by our research group. This project includes opportunities for design, modeling and control. We are particularly interested in an application to a hydraulic hybrid passenger vehicle, also developed by our research group. This is a joint project with Professor Perry Li. Neutrino Detector Design and Fabrication Support: Our group is responsible for the design of over 12,000 modules utilized in a unique 14 kiloton neutrino detector being developed for the Fermi National Accelerator Lab. Information on the overall experiment is available at: http://www-nova.fnal.gov. The modules will be fabricated at a factory site staffed largely by students and located about ½ mile from campus. We are seeking a mechanical engineering student who will support design improvements and materials testing associated with building the modules. Prof. Jane Davidson (1 funded opening for PhD students, 1 funded for MS) Solar Energy Research Prof. Davidson’s research works on solar energy technologies for both high temperature thermochemical cycles that utilize concentrated solar radiation for fuel production, and lower temperature systems for space heating and electricity. Research on solar fuels focuses on processes to split H2O, recycle CO2 to fuel, and gasification of biomass. Research on low temperature solar focuses on the characterization of the fluid dynamics and heat and mass transfer of compact storage technologies. Funding is from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Energy, and the University of Minnesota Initiative for Renewable Energy and the Environment. We collaborate with researchers at the National Research Energy Laboratory, Sandia National Laboratories, 3M, Caltech, and in the Departments of Chemistry, Applied Economics, and Material Science at the University of Minnesota. One to two funded openings in solar fuels are for experimental characterization of chemical reactors. Prior experimental experience is preferred. Prof. Traian Dumitrica Thermoelectricity in Silicon Nanostructures (M.S. project 25% RA position is provided for 1 semester). This computational project explores via microscopic modeling with the molecular dynamics method, the thermoelectric properties of silicon nanowires. Thermoelectric materials convert temperature differences into electricity and vice versa. Bulk silicon is a poor thermoelectric due to its large thermal conductivity. However, silicon nanowires may have a dramatically reduced thermal conductivity. In this project, the M.S. student will perform molecular dynamics simulations to understand the dependence of thermal conductivity of silicon nanowires on size, temperature, and impurity doping levels. The necessary fundamental aspects of the molecular dynamics method will be presented in the ME8253 Computational Nanomechanics course. Discrete Element Simulations of Hierarchically Structured Polycrystalline Hollow Gold Nanoparticles M.S. project 25% RA position is provided for 1semester). 2 This computational project is part of a larger combined experimental theoretical research program that aims to gain fundamental understanding into the mechanics of hierarchically structured gold nanospheres. Multiple length scales such as grain size, shell thickness, and diameter of sphere exist within an individual structure. Specifically, our gold nanospheres are about 100 nm in diameter, and feature a polycrystalline shell with a thickness ranging from 20 to 50 nm, and grain size around 5 nm. Such combination provides a golden opportunity to explore the effects of structural hierarchy on the deformation mechanisms of nanoscale materials. The M.S. student will perform simulations to understand the mechanical response of hollow gold nanoparticles using the Discrete Element Method in the PFC3D implementation of Itasca Co, Minneapolis. Simulations will rely on input from experiment (in-situ TEM nanoindentation) and atomic-scale (molecular dynamics) simulations. Training with the PFC3D software will be covered within the Itasca Education Partnership program. Prof. Will Durfee Medical Device Design Muscle force assessment: System identification and clinical device development to assess the function of healthy and diseased human muscle. Paralyzed walking: Clinical device development of a system that combines electrical stimulation of muscle with a mechanical orthosis to restore rudimentary walking for those paralyzed as a result of spinal cord injury. Powered orthotics: Wearable hydraulic and pneumatic assistive devices for those with mobility impairments. Tiny hydraulic components: Simulation and development of novel, tiny hydraulic components for human amplifier applications. These projects have research openings, but at this time do not have additional funding for new students. Prof. Steven Girshick Magnetic/Plasmonic Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics The use of engineered nanoparticles opens up new and promising avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Tumors that are loaded with targeted nanoparticles can be destroyed by heating the nanoparticles by either magnetic field (in the case of magnetic nanoparticles) or by laser (in the case of nanoparticles with suitable optical absorption). In parallel, the interaction of the nanoparticles with applied magnetic fields or laser radiation can be used to image the tumor and the heating process. Under NSF support, an opening exists for a research assistant who will design and implement processes for synthesizing multilayer nanoparticles, consisting of layers of superparamagnetic iron oxide, silica, gold, and/or other materials. Synthesis methods include plasma, UV, thermal and chemical approaches. Extensive use is made of aerosol instrumentation for characterizing particles online, and of electron microscopy and other tools for characterizing particles off-line. Developing control of the dimensions, morphology, chemical composition and properties of each layer of the nanoparticle represents a major engineering challenge. This project involves collaboration with others who study the interactions of nanoparticles with biological media. Prof. Richard Goldstein Several topics are available for studies of fluid mechanics and heat transfer. These include: jet impingement flow and heat transfer, energy separation in vortex flows, heat and mass transfer analogy studies, heat transfer related to film cooling and vortex flows in high performance gas turbines, and buoyancy driven convection at high Rayleigh numbers. The work generally would involve experiments with numerical analysis to predict or confirm the results. Students are expected to be interested in pursuing a PhD. 3 Prof. Jiarong Hong Flow-structure interactions in wind power, marine and hydrokinetic power applications This project aims at studying the interaction of turbulent flow with energy devices including mainly wind and hydrokinetic turbines. The students are expected to design and perform experiments to measure flow fields in the vicinity of turbine blades, and investigate the effect of turbulence characteristics on wind or hydro energy production as well as the environment impact of these energy devices. Students will have the opportunity to work with the-state-of-the-art research facilities at St. Anthony Falls Laboratory, which include the 2.5 MW full-scale research wind turbine (http://eolos.umn.edu/) and 100 m long experimental flumes operating with Mississippi River. The experimental techniques involve particle image velocimetry, hot-wire and ultrasonic anemometry. Students are encouraged to develop new experimental tools to accomplish the measurements. Turbulent flow field over complex, biomimetic surfaces This project will investigate the behaviors of turbulence over surfaces with some interesting biomimetic topography, e.g. the surfaces that replicate shark skin denticles and deformable roughness that mimic marine vegetations. Optical-based experimental approach will be applied to measure the detailed flow fields neighboring the surface. We will study how the turbulence structures are modified by these surface protrusions to achieve certain hydrodynamic functions. In order to reduce the optical scattering at the fluid-solid interface that contaminant the near-wall flow measurement, the experiment will operate with a fluid that matches optical refractive index of the surface. The students are expected to take part in the designing of such facility, overcome the difficulty of near-wall flow measurement and carry out in-depth data analysis. For both projects, students are expected to be interested in pursuing a PhD. Please feel free to contact Prof. Hong at jhong@umn.edu for more information. Prof. David Kittelson Advanced Engine Combustion and Fuels We are seeking students to work on projects focusing on advanced engine cycles and fuels. In recent years a variety of new engine combustion paths have been developed that involve low temperature combustion, largely avoiding soot and NOx formation but maintaining high thermodynamic efficiency. While these approaches offer great promise there are still many challenges including; difficulty controlling the start of combustion, poor transient behavior, and limited range of operation. We are working a new type of low temperature combustion called reaction controlled compression ignition (RCCI) that has the potential of overcoming many of these problems. RCCI is also well suited for combustion of biofuels and we are currently exploring such fuels as ethanol, biogas, and gas produced by biomass gasification. We are also researching alternatives to diesel fuel derived from biomass. These include biodiesel, vegetable oils, butanol, and di-methyl ether (DME). DME is particularly interesting because it can be made from various biomass feed-stocks including municipal waste, grasses, crop and forestry residues, algae, and black liquor. On the other hand, DME can't be run in current diesel engines without significant fuel system modifications. We are working on characterizing performance and emissions of DME fueled engines at the same time as we develop new fuel system components. Students working on these projects should be interested in thermodynamics and combustion, data acquisition and processing, sensors, and have good hands-on skills. 4 Improving Energy Efficiency of Urban Buses Reducing emissions from transportation is a function of reducing vehicle miles traveled, fuel carbon content, and increasing fuel efficiency, and these parameters are influenced by engineering practice. Our research will focus on improving bus fuel efficiency through the electrification of “hotel loads” (accessories such as heating, cooling, fans, etc.). We will quantify the cost savings and estimate the emissions reduction of such improvements. Previous we completed a small project that was jointly funded by the Center for Transportation Study (CTS), Metro Transit and IREE. We found that hotel load electrification could improve fuel efficiency by more than 10%, but our data were limited, and the cost of bus conversion was not well quantified. Our research goal is to quantify the real-world, inuse hotel load power consumption for three types of buses including a standard diesel bus, a parallel hybrid bus and a fully electrified series hybrid bus, and make recommendations on specific bus configurations, estimate conversion cost, and GHG emissions. We expect that hotel load electrification will achieve significant improvements in fuel economy improvement at far less cost than the purchase of new, hybrid bus technology. Students working on this project should be interested in transportation, data acquisition, management, and processing, sensors, and have good computer and data management skills. Prof. Barney Klamecki (2 funded openings: 1 PhD, 1 MS) Removal of Plaque from Arteries by Machining This is a collaborative project involving the University of Minnesota, the University of Michigan and a Twin Cities-based medical device manufacturer. The general project topic is the machining of biological tissue. The specific application area is machining for removal of plaque from arteries. The research will span from developing basic mechanics of machining of tissue, to describing the dynamics of a cutting tool at the end of a long drive wire, to the characterizing deformation and possible damage to the artery wall, to monitoring the material removal process in the artery. The primary work to be done at the University of Minnesota includes formulating and constructing numerical and physical experiments to characterize the deformation of the soft tissue supporting the plaque that is being machined and to describe the behavior of a long, flexible drive wire operating in a confined, fluid-filled space approximating machining plaque in an artery. Research will also include developing a sensing system for deducing the type of material being machined. Prof. Uwe Kortshagen (1-2 openings) Nanomaterials for Renewable Energy Professor Kortshagen's group is interested in exploring new nanoscale materials in the area of renewable energy. His group has developed a novel plasma synthesis approach to produce nanometer-sized semiconductor particles. This technology has been licensed by major multi-national corporations and is currently being employed by several solar cell manufacturers. Professor Kortshagen has research openings in a new project involving plasmonic properties of nanocrystals. In this project, the oscillation of free electrons in a semiconductor will be used to actively tune the absorption properties of the nanomaterial. The possibility to tailor the optical properties of nanocrystals may be of significant benefit to photovoltaic applications, light emitting devices, and defense related technologies. 5 Prof. Perry Li (1-3 Openings) Hydraulic Transformers The intension for hydraulic transformer is similar to that of an electric transformer – to transform power at one pressure/flow rate (voltage/current) to another. This is a potentially efficient approach for distributing and controlling hydraulic power. This will find applications in hydraulic actuated machines, such as all kinds of robots, construction equipment, hydraulic hybrid vehicles etc. Yet, hydraulic transformers are not generally available. This research aims to gain fundamental understanding of configuration, dynamics and control, so as to guide in their designs, and to demonstrate their potential in an interesting application. One additional RA position may be available for a highly motivated, qualified student interested in the intersection of controls, dynamics, machine design and robotic actuation. A PhD student is preferred. This project is funded by the Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power. Design of Efficient Digital Displacement Hydraulic Pump/Motors. Hydraulic pump/motors are critical for many emerging applications such as wind turbines and hydraulic hybrid vehicles, as well as established applications such as mobile construction equipment, injection molding machines and material testing. Using current means of varying displacements, hydraulic pump/motors are not very energy efficient at partial or low displacements. Digital displacements, or the use of on/off valves to control displacements, can potentially maintain high efficiencies at all displacements. An RA is sought to work on hydraulic and mechanical design of such a digital displacement pump/motor. This project is funded by the NSF Center for Compact and Efficient Fluid Power. (Joint project with Prof. Tom Chase) Compressed Air Energy Storage for Off-Shore Wind Turbines. This is a NSF funded multi-university/industry collaborative project that involves developing a novel approach for storing excess wind energy using compressed air vessels. This will make wind power more available and alleviate our dependence on fossil fuels. At the University of Minnesota, we are responsible for the overall systems architecture and design; as well as the fundamental research in heat transfer to achieve near isothermal compression and expansion. This project is highly interdisciplinary and involves fluid flow, fluid power, heat transfer, machine design and system dynamics and controls. A possible RA position exists for an exceptional PhD candidate to focus on either the heat transfer and system/integration aspect of the project. Successful candidates will have opportunities to do analytical and experimental work, as well as to work with teams at other sites and to develop multi-disciplinary skills. Prof. Wojciech Lipinski: Thermochemical sciences, solar power and fuels Radiative heat transfer in chemically reacting media for high-temperature solar thermo-chemical cycles (unfunded) Numerical and experimental techniques are employed to study radiative transfer and properties of materials encountered in novel solar thermochemical cycles for renewable fuel production and CO2 capture. The radiative models and properties are employed in combined heat and mass transfer simulations of chemically reacting media to predict their temperatures and composition as a function of time. Radiative heat transfer in micro- and nanomaterials for solar energy conversion (unfunded) Multi-scale radiative heat transfer is analyzed for novel materials featuring ordered and/or random nano- and micro-structures that are encountered in solar energy conversion processes. Exact morphology of the materials is determined by sub-micron computed tomography techniques, and 6 used in electromagnetic solvers to obtain continuum optical and radiative properties. Thermodynamic and heat transfer analyses of a solar tower power plant using molten salt storage for 24-hour electricity generation (unfunded) Thermodynamic and heat transfer analyses are performed for a solar tower power plant with a molten salt high-temperature heat storage for continuous 24-hour electricity generation. Prof. Will Northrop The Center for Diesel Research (CDR) is a leader in research focusing on the nexus of emissions, alternative fuels, and advanced combustion in internal combustion engines. Opportunities exist for motivated students with experience in experimental work and enthusiasm for thermal sciences. Current openings include: In-cylinder temperature measurement using ultrasonic thermometry (unfunded) Currently, high speed, and spatially-resolved measurement of in-cylinder temperature in internal combustion engines is not possible without significant engine modification and the use of expensive optical diagnostic equipment. Building on a bio-analog to the navigation system of bats, the use of ultrasound as a minimally invasive temperature diagnostic in engines is a promising technique. A student is desired to work on developing a National Instruments-based data acquisition system for measuring temperature in a reciprocating engine using ultrasonic transducers. Applicants with strong skills in LabVIEW are preferred. Knowledge in acoustics is also a plus for this challenging project. Exhaust gas recycle (EGR) cooler fouling in diesel engines (RA, 1.5 years) Exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) is extensively used in non-road diesel engines in concert with common-rail direct-injection (CIDI) and turbocharging, to meet stringent EPA Tier 4 Final emissions requirements. Extensive use of EGR in new diesel engines presents new challenges as the heat exchanger required to cool the exhaust before mixing with the intake gas can be fouled by a mixture of carbonaceous soot and semi-volatile hydrocarbons. For applications with long service intervals, EGR cooler fouling represents a significant challenge. A student is needed to conduct a study in cooperation with a local industrial partner to characterize the rate of EGR cooler fouling and to build on current knowledge in fouling processes. The project will involve the use of specialized particle and gas measurement instruments. Prof. David Pui Center for Filtration Research (CFR) CFR is funded by twelve filter companies and end users: 3M, Boeing, Cummins, Donaldson, Entergris, W.L. Gore, Hollingsworth & Vose, Mann+Hummel (Germany), MSP Corp, Shigematsu (Japan), Samsung (Korea), and TSI Inc. The objectives are to foster industry/university collaboration in filtration and to help University to become more relevant in its research and education. We perform fundamental filtration research and theoretical modeling; develop improved experimental methods useful for filtration research, filter characterization and filter testing; and to seek new applications of scientific knowledge to practical filtration problems. Prof. Rajesh Rajamani The research program in Prof. Rajamani’s laboratory focuses on the development of novel sensors and control systems for automotive and biomedical applications. The sensors and control systems developed in our lab often serve as enabling technologies that make important new mechanical devices and systems possible. Examples of new systems under development include ultra-small 7 muscle sensors for quantification of neuromuscular diseases, tactile micro-sensors for minimally invasive medical applications, tire sensors for measurement of slip angle, slip ratio and tire-road friction coefficient and battery-less wireless sensors for traffic flow measurements. To find out more about our research projects, please visit our web site: http://www.me.umn.edu/labs/advcontrols/index.html One research opening is available in Fall 2012 in the area of biosensors. Prof. Terrence Simon (1 opening) Forced Unsteady Heat Transfer We are developing a new technology for energy conversion. It uses an alloy that passes through phase transformation, changing its magnetic properties with changing temperature. During transformation, latent heat is absorbed and electricity is produced by induction without a separate electrical generator. A major challenge is rapidly oscillating the temperature back and forth through the transformation temperature at near ambient temperatures. Ideas to be pursued include shuttered radiate heating, oscillating heat pipes and intermittent cooling with thin-film evaporation of liquid droplets, An additional challenge is integration of the heat transfer system into the remainder of the power generation system. Coincident with this development, and parts of the same program, will be activities in the AEM and CEMS Departments developing and improving upon the alloys. It is a project sponsored by the Department of Energy. Prof. Eph Sparrow (4 openings) LABORATORY FOR ENGINEERING PRACTICE (LEP) LEP works on any and all problems within and on the edges of mechanical engineering. Since LEP does not depend on external funding, everyone in the group is free to work on whatever she/he wishes and to fulfill their personal objectives in whatever way they wish. Problems are attacked by two complementary powerful tools: laboratory experiment and numerical simulation. The lab is very well equipped, and the simulation software is at the cutting edge. DESIGN is a common denominator. LEP is the happy recipient of a wide variety of real-world projects from local industry. These projects represent a unique learning experience. Currently, there are projects in Biomedical Engineering, Electronics, Solar Photovoltaics, Wind Engineering, Geothermal Heat Transfer, Structures, Materials Processing, Particle Transport, and Cryogenics. Anyone is free to work on any project depending on what she/he wishes to learn. Help is always available at all hours. LEP is a family, where giving, sharing, and mutual respect prevail. LEP has especially enjoyed working with physics majors from liberal arts colleges and with persons employed in industry. Prof. Zongxuan Sun Control Oriented Model for Advanced Engines The research objective is to develop accurate yet tractable dynamic models for SI (Spark Ignited) and HCCI (Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition) dual mode engines to enable model-based realtime control and optimization of this novel and efficient internal combustion engine. Increasing concerns about global warming and ever-increasing demands on fossil fuel capacity call for reduced emissions and improved fuel efficiency. Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) engine that blends characteristics of spark ignition (SI) and compression ignition (CI) engines has been proposed as a promising solution. Like the SI engine, a homogeneous air and fuel mixture is drawn into the cylinder during the intake stroke. There is no spark and the mixture temperature and pressure are increased during the compression stroke (like a CI engine) for auto-ignition. Since the start of 8 combustion depends on the dynamic conditions of the in-cylinder mixture, precise control of the mixture states in real-time is necessary. This requires an accurate model that captures the dynamic behavior and interactions of fuel, air, and other combustion products (charge mixing). Specifically, we are developing a control oriented charge mixing model to capture the fluid dynamics and chemical composition of the engine. This charge mixing model will be first validated with CFD simulation and then with experiments. Finally the mixing model will be integrated with a hybrid combustion model developed by our collaborator. Interested student should send a detailed resume to Prof. Sun at zsun@umn.edu. Prof. James Van de Ven Soft Switching for Digital Hydraulics (50% RA position) An emerging method to control hydraulic circuits is digital hydraulics, where a high-speed valve is used to switch a circuit between efficient on and off states, theoretically improving efficiency. At high switching frequencies, the transitional throttling and hydraulic fluid compressibility become important sources of energy loss. A novel approach to minimize this loss is to absorb or redirect the flow during the valve transition events in a “soft switch.” This project involves the construction of a dynamic model of a digital hydraulic circuit, design and optimization of a soft switch mechanism, and experimental work to validate the model and test the design solution. Energy Storage in Hydraulic Systems Hydraulic power transmission has an order of magnitude higher power density than competing technologies, yet suffers from poor energy storage density. The energy storage issue is being addressed through a flywheel-accumulator, which integrates pneumatic and rotating kinetic energy storage, and compressed air energy storage. Exceptional students with interests in machine design and fluid dynamics will be considered for inclusion in one or both of these research projects. Liquid Piston Stirling Cycle Engine Parameter Space Exploration: (50% RA position for 1 semester) A liquid piston Stirling cycle engine has the potential for good efficiency and high power density by isothermalizing the compression and expansion of the working gas and eliminating the volume associated with conventional hot and cold heat exchangers. In this project, a guided parametric study will be performed to determine areas in the parameter space that will maximize the efficiency and power density. These parameters will then be used to design optimal liquid piston compressor/expanders. Prof. Rusen Yang Energy harvesting with nanostructures Piezoelectric nanomaterials will be thoroughly investigated. Energy harvester will be fabricated to convert the mechanical energy into electricity. A better understanding of the working principle as well as a better design will significantly improve the performance of the energy harvester. A large scale fabrication of the device will result in practical application in various fields. The technique involved in this project will include the atomic force microscopy (AFM), photo lithography, e-beam lithography, focused ion beam (FIB), as well as electric and mechanic property characterization. Tactile sensing with nanomaterials When a material with both piezoelectric and semiconducting property, such as zinc oxide, is stressed, the electrical potential generated due to the stress (piezopotential) can effectively change the band 9 structure at the heterojunction interface and result in significant changes in the electronic transport property. This phenomenon is promising for designing novel devices, including tactile sensors to replicate the human finger tactile perception capabilities. This research offers exciting possibilities for applications in robotics, teleoperation, manufacturing, mechatronic devices and minimally invasive surgery. 10