DCU-Final-Year-Projects-Booklet-2025

52 60. Defining Suitable Testing Regimes to Elucidate theMechanical Integrity and Mass Transport Properties of Next Generation Hydrogels Currently, there are no established standard testing regimes for evaluating the mechanical andmass transport properties of novel hydrogels. There is a clear need to develop standardised testing protocols to assess these properties, in order to establish a consensus across the academic community. This would ultimately facilitate the development of next-generation double-network hydrogels that combine high toughness and high permeability, akin to natural tissue. This project reviews the available literature to identify the most effective and commonly used testing regimes for evaluating these properties, with the aimof creating standardised approaches for widespread academic use. Student Programme Biomedical Engineering (Year 4) Project Area Biomedical Engineering, Tissue Engineering, Rehabilitation Engineering, Materials Testing Project Technology Excel/VB, R, Materials Testing Student Name(s) Luke Hyland Email luke.hyland23@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Owen Clarkin 61. Position Control and The Coanda Effect This project demonstrates the aerodynamic phenomenon known as the Coand_ effect, as well as how different values for P, I, and Dwithin a PID control systemaffect the response characteristics of a system. These concepts are illustrated by suspending a ball within an airstream using a fan, amicrocontroller, and an ultrasonic sensor. The airflow rate from the fan is controlled by the microcontroller and computer software, where the PID values are set. The vertical position of the ball over time represents the system’s response to the corresponding PID values. The Coand_ effect is responsible for the horizontal stability of the ball while suspended within the airstream, allowing the ball to remain in the airstreamwithout being ejected. Student Programme Mechanical andManufacturing Engineering (Year 4) Project Area 3-DModelling, AdditiveManufacturing, Arduino, Control Systems, Fluid Mechanics, Mechanical Design andManufacture Project Technology ANSYSWorkbench, Excel/VB, Solidworks Student Name(s) Eoghan Healy Email eoghan.healy47@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Harry Esmonde 62. Optimisation of Electrodeposition Parameters for Biomedical Applications of CalciumPhosphate Coatings Electrodeposition is a promisingmethod for coating biomedical implants with CaP, improving bioactivity and biocompatibility. Plasma spraying and dip coating suffer from high temperatures, weak adhesion, and uneven layers. EDMprovides a low-temperature, cost-effective alternative with precise control over coating thickness, composition, and crystallinity. Through investigating pulsed vs. direct current, electrode distance, and deposition time this project aims to optimise CaP coatings on stainless steel substrates. The project aims to extended these parameters toMg alloys, a promising biodegradable implant material. This research enhances implant longevity, bone integration, and bioactive performance, advancing next-generation orthopedic and dental prosthetics. Student Programme Biomedical Engineering (Year 5) Project Area Biomedical Engineering, Rehabilitation Engineering Project Technology Excel/VB, PLC Programming Student Name(s) Kate Kenny Email kate.kenny23@mail.dcu.ie Supervisor Dr Tanya Levingstone