Awardee: Candido Diaz
Semester of Award: Fall 2019
Materials Awarded: Novatech Deci-newton loadcell
Project Description:
We used these funds to purchase a microforce load cell that could be used for both compression and tension. Our plan was to use 3D printing to create a microforce materials properties tester for use with various testing techniques on a diverse set of glues and silk threads produced by spiders. We have successfully created a machine that can conduct an adhesion test for spider silk using a code written in Arduino. At present, the machine is being used by a team of three undergrads to help complete a senior’s thesis. The readings from this machine are being used in conjunction with other experiments to learn about the evolution of spiders in a predator-prey arms race. The project has taken longer than expected to set up as we have not fully adapted the machine for additional experimental procedures; we have learned how long the design of parts can take when interfacing many different types of equipment. At present the machine can conduct compression tests at the sensitivity level of 3 micronewtons. This grant has been great for the students as it is being used to finish a student’s thesis and as research experience for two other students, independent study and work study. We hope to use the data produced from this machine to publish in the future, and hopefully get the students peer review paper writing experience.
