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Principal Investigator: Dr. Michael Cullinan
Graduate Mentor: Ang Gao
Department: Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering
Research Group Website: https://ndml.me.utexas.edu
May 2025 - Present
Undergraduate Researcher
Developing resin formulations with embedded yttrium oxide nanoparticles for DLP printing
Developed an Arduino-based control system for a dual MFC-controlled burnout regulator
Investigation of different nanoparticle size combinations to yield maximum packing density in printable resins
Study of thermal degradation and pyrolysis of ceramic green parts with controlled oxygen partial pressure
Tuning DLP print parameters to control light dispersion and cure thickness
Additive Manufacturing of Ceramics via Nanoparticle-Loaded Photopolymer Resins with Subsequent Debinding and Sintering
Stepwise simplified fabrication procedure
ZnSe Nanoparticle–Infused Resin Printing for IR-Transparent Optics
Oxygen Control
To reliably remove organic constituents without oxidizing ZnSe, an Arduino-controlled dual-MFC setup (O₂(Air)/N₂) was deployed. The controller actuates the two MFCs to prescribe the oxygen mole fraction and independently set the overall volumetric flow, enabling low-O₂ thermo-oxidative burnout under controlled residence time and sweep conditions.
MFC Control
An Arduino Nano generated control signals for each MFC to achieve the desired total flow rate and oxygen fraction, while simultaneously reading feedback signals and adjusting outputs to match the true flow. A rotary encoder and LCD provided a simple UI showing setpoints, measured values, and units.
DLP Printing
The DLP printing step presented several challenges, including time-consuming setup for each resin, large required resin volumes, high drag from large cross-sectional area, and dimensional inaccuracy from vat instability. These issues were addressed through resin formulation optimization and modifications to the printer, build plate, and vat geometry.
Y2O3 Nanoparticle–Infused Resin Printing for IR-Transparent Optics
Light Sensitivity
As all resin formulations are susceptible to curing from ambient light, custom cases were designed to fit over Falcon tubes. The cases also allow for vertical storage, eliminating the risk of leakage.
Figures from https://wiki.anton-paar.com/nl-en/the-influence-of-particles-on-suspension-rheology
Culminating Poster for the Conducted Research
Capstone Poster Ashot Tumaghyan.pptxGoogle Sites
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