This thesis focuses on exploring the reconditioning Ni-MH HEV batteries. The goal of this thesis is to demonstrate the viability of a method for reconditioning Ni-MH HEV batteries which involves charging battery modules in series. To do this, a set of 8 modules were reconditioned by charging them in series and another set of 8 modules were reconditioned by charging them individually. Both sets of modules were charged at a rate of around 0.05C. Additionally, the modules connected in series were charged using a controlled current for cell balancing. The effectiveness of each reconditioning method was evaluated through capacity estimation. The capacity estimation was done during a standard five-hour discharge using simple coulomb counting. This experiment showed that charging the set of 8 modules in series is an effective method to use for reconditioning. Furthermore, it can be reasonably assumed from these results that charging an entire Ni-MH HEV battery pack in series is an effective method for reconditioning.
In DWC, the heat transfer rate can be further increased by increasing the nucleation and by optimally ‘refreshing’ the surface via droplet shedding. Softening of surfaces favor the former while having an adverse effect on the latter. This optimization problem is addressed by investigating how mechanical properties of a substrate impact relevant droplet-surface interactions and DWC heat transfer rate. The results obtained by combining droplet induced surface deformation with finite element model show that softening of the substrates below a shear modulus of 500 kPa results in a significant reduction in the condensation heat transfer rate.
On the other hand, interactions between droplet and polymer leading to polymer swelling can be used to develop breathable wearables for use in chemically harsh environments. Chemical aerosols are hazardous and conventional protective measures include impermeable barriers which limit the thermoregulation. To solve this, a solution is proposed consisting of a superabsorbent polymer developed to selectively absorb these chemicals and closing the pores in the fabric. Starting from understanding and modeling the droplet induced swelling in elastomers, the extent and topological characteristic of swelling is shown to depend on the relative comparison of the polymer and aerosol geometries. Then, this modeling is extended to a customized polymer, through a simplified characterization paradigm. In that, a new method is proposed to measure the swelling parameters of the polymer-solvent pair and develop a validated model for swelling. Through this study, it is shown that for this polymer, the concentration-dependent diffusion coefficient can be measured through gravimetry and Poroelastic Relaxation Indentation, simplifying the characterization effort. Finally, this model is used to design composite fabric. Specifically, using model results, the SAP geometry, base fabric design, method of composition is optimized, and the effectiveness of the composite fabric highlighted in moderate-to-high concentrations over short durations.
In this work, plasmonic nanocomposites have been synthesized and used in laser tissue welding for ruptured porcine intestine ex vivo and incised murine skin in vivo. These laser-responsive nanocomposites improved tissue strength and healing, respectively. Additionally, a spatiotemporal model has been developed for laser tissue welding of porcine and mouse cadaver intestine sections using near-infrared laser irradiation. This mathematical model can be employed to identify optimal conditions for minimizing healthy cell death while still achieving a strong seal of the ruptured tissue using laser welding. Finally, in a model of surgical site infection, laser-responsive nanomaterials were shown to be efficacious in inhibiting bacterial growth. By incorporating an anti-microbial functionality to laser-responsive nanocomposites, these materials will serve as a treatment modality in sealing tissue, healing tissue, and protecting tissue in surgery.