Undergraduate Research Accomplishments Accomplishments: From Cape Cod Community College to UMass Dartmouth NSF-REU and Beyond

David Kamp participated in the Summer of 2022 NSF-REU program led by professor Vijay Chalivendra. Every year NSF funds a large number of research opportunities for undergraduate students through its REU Sites program. The 2022 REU Site at UMass Dartmouth consisted of a group of undergraduates who worked in the research programs of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Each student is associated with a specific research project, where he/she works closely with the faculty and other researchers. David joined the program from Cape Cod Community College and subsequently engaged in a successful research project. Following the completion of his summer work at UMass Dartmouth, David decided to move to the Mechanical Engineering Department to work with Dr. Chalivendra. David will present the outcome of his project at the upcoming 2023 MassURC Conference. David's project is titled, "Multidirectional Soft Tactile Sensor Design for Underwater Use." David writes: "the purpose of this study was to create a flexible, multi-directional tactile sensor for use in soft robots operating in marine environments. Stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing was used to facilitate the manufacture of parts, as well as molds for two-part silicone mixtures. Composite sensors were made using four separate capacitive sensors and a hard pyramidal shape within a silicone shell. The sensor readings were then captured through the use of a microcontroller and computer software. Testing sensors of this construction focused on four major parameters, sensitivity, directional sensing, water resistance, and corrosion resistance. Flexibility of the sensor was important as well but quantifying the sensor’s flexibility was not one of the primary focuses. Sensitivity was improved from initial designs by removing materials between the outer shell and interior sensors. Complete removal of a single 1.5mm layer of silicone led to a dramatic increase in sensitivity, reducing the initial required force for detection by 99%. Utilization of a hard pyramidal shape to transfer and distribute forces among the internal sensors created variable output depending on the direction of applied forces. Observations of this output led to the conclusion that the direction of applied forces could be determined, fulfilling the goal of multi-directional sensing. Submersion scenarios were used to test both water resistance and corrosion resistance. Freshwater test determined that the sensors were thoroughly water resistant while saltwater test proved they are corrosion resistant for weeks."