1. Membrane Characterization Test Stand
P09045

2. Team Members Joseph Ferrara Joseph Church Joelle Kirsch Jamie Jackson
Team lead
Mechanical Engineering
Joseph Church
Integration
Joelle Kirsch
Design
Jamie Jackson
Sensors and Integration
Electrical Engineering
Joshua Van Hook
Labview and Integration

3. Project Description
Project is done in correspondence with team lead’s thesis research on structural aspects of the alveolar sac within the lung
Main Focal Point
Design and Develop a test fixture for Membrane specimen
Fixture must be capable of:
Recording Load/Displacement Data
Either be an equi-biaxial or pressure load system
Collected Data must be able to be correlated into a Stress/Strain relation

4. Deliverables Main Deliverables
Functional testing apparatus that meets project needs and thesis needs
New Design including CAD Drawings and BOM
Membrane test data
Verification Model via ANSYS
Secondary Deliverables (Time/Budget dependent)
Redesign and reengineer for efficiency and accuracy

5. Key Challenges Decide on load type tester
Design both accurate and cost efficient tester
Avoid edge effects from material mounting within the system
Lead time for ordering parts for project
Machine work has long lead time and if CNC machines are used, must learn how to use them
Access to Material may be sparse; must make sure to investigate all avenues of possibilities.
Time Management
New area of study for some