Micro-Jet Research
This is what the PEEK tubing connection to the HPLC machine may look like. The tubing has micrometer sized inner diameter. A steel coupling eventually had to be used to withstand the large pressure difference, caused by such small tube diameters.
Quick picture of me manipulating parts within the HPLC machine to optimize desired results.
Micro-Jet HPLC Machine
I worked as a Research Assistant for M3 Robotics Lab at Washington State University. I applied fluid dynamic principles to design a high-pressure water jet that assists steerable needles in penetrating the human skin. I utilized Hagen Poiseuille and ideal gas equations to determine viable pipe diameters, mass flows, and water velocities. I used Solid Works and 3-D printing to create rapid prototypes of couplers and fittings. Basically, manipulated pre-existing HPLC machines to achieve desired flow characteristics.
This taught me how to apply fluid dynamic principles to actual situations. I also gained experience coding with Octave. I created programs for calculating water velocity, mass flow, and tube diameters to make the process easier. I gained more experience using Solid Works and using 3-D printing for creating rapid prototypes.