DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

115 249. Development of Low-Cost Fluidic Chips UsingHeal Seal Bags This project aims to investigate a novel pinch valvingmechanism for centrifugal microfluidic discs, enhancing fluid control precision in lab-on-a-disc applications. The design integrates a plastic film into the channels, enabling controlled compression to regulate fluid flow. To achieve this, a custom rig was developed using a planetary gearing system, which drives amechanism that sequentially opens and closes multiple channels via a secondary pressure disc. By optimising this valving approach, the study offers valuable insights into improving the efficiency and reliability of centrifugal microfluidic systems, contributing to advancements in diagnostics and automated fluid handling technologies. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 5) Project Area 3-DModelling, Biomedical Engineering, Device Design, FluidMechanics, Mechanical Design andManufacture Project Technology LabVIEW, Solidworks, microfluidics Student Name(s) Joel Jolly John Email joel.jollyjohn2@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr David Kinahan 250. πcoNet πcoNet is a decentralised Bluetooth mesh network that enables peer-to-peer andmulti-hop communication without relying on traditional centralised infrastructure like ISPs or IXPs. Designed for scenarios where centralised networks are compromised, such as natural disasters or large, crowd-filled events prone to network overloads, πcoNet ensures reliable communication in critical situations. Leveraging Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), πcoNet continuously scans for and advertises nodes, using end-to-end encryption to provide secure and private communication. The network is further enhanced by high-powered Raspberry Pi relay nodes, which extend the range and reliability of the mesh network. Student Programme Computer Science Project Area Android, Cryptography, Internet of Things, Mobile App, Network Applications, RaspberryPi, Security, Telecommunications, Wireless Technology, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) Project Technology C/C++, Python, Kotlin Student Name(s) Jamie Gorman  |  JedWalshe Email jamie.gorman24@mail.dcu.ie   |  jed.walshe7@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Mohammed Amine Togou 251. DrumTester Development This project involves the development of a drum kit tester, with the aimof striking a drum in ameasured and controlledmanner. The apparatus involves a DCmotor and a Teensy microcontroller. The apparatus is set up so that the motor is controlled to strike the drum repeatedly and consistently, and the velocity of these strikes is measured and recorded. Student Programme Mechatronic Engineering (Year 5) Project Area 3-DModelling, Arduino, Circuit Modeling, Digital Signal Processing, Mechatronic Systems, Simulation Project Technology Excel/VB, Matlab, Simulink, Solidworks Student Name(s) Conor Phelan Email conor.phelan35@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Alan Kennedy