SEARCH · Engineering Papers

Results for “3D printed sample”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

SourceResearch connectionFrom yearThrough year

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3

All sources NASA NTRS DOE OSTI

NASA NTRS2021

Customized Science Carrier Modules and Accessories Developed for Microgravity Simulation Devices

Because the access to the true weightless environment of the ISS and other Low Earth Orbit (LEO) vehicles is limited and cost prohibitive, the need for ground-based microgravity simulation analogs to bridge the gravity continuum gap between 1g gravity and costly space flight studies with true weightlessness was realized. As such, the Microgravity Simulation Support Facility (MSSF) was established at NASA John F. Kennedy Space Center (KSC) to fulfill the need of the scientific community. Our facility provides the US science community with a focal point in the field of gravitational research by granting access to an array of two-dimensional(2D) and three-dimensional (3D)clinostats, and Random Positioning Machine (RPM) platforms developed by teams throughout the world. The availability of these capabilities will allow further understanding the role of altered gravity vectors from “functional weightlessness”, partial gravity conditions (1 x 10-3to 0.9g, and Moon and Mars ‘g vectors), to hypergravity (up to3g) on biological processes. We have designed and 3D printed a variety of specialized attachments(and associated “static control” hardware)to allow researchers to mount their samples onto these microgravity simulation devices to meet their unique science requirements. A summary of each attachment module will be presented below. Note: All software or code information should be requested to the author Ye Zhang, Kennedy Space Center ye.zhang-1@nasa.gov

Ye Zhang↗

DOE OSTI2025

Extrusion‐Based Printing of Nanostructured Fatty Acid Gels Incorporated in Hydrogels

Soft materials with unique nanostructures such as lamellar, hexagonal, and cubic morphologies can replicate complex structures that have potential in various fields, including biomedical and industrial applications. However, a key challenge in advancing the broader applications of 3D printing for these nanostructured soft materials is insufficient mechanical properties that hinder their printability and compromise structural stability in the final product. In this study, the suitability of a fatty acid‐based lamellar gel is evaluated for direct extrusion‐based 3D printing. Here, the lamellar gel with varying water content is integrated with a photocurable hydrogel to preserve the shape and stability of the final prints. Complex 2D and 3D design patterns are used to assess extrusion behavior, structural stability, and print precision under varying pressures. Small‐angle X‐ray Scattering (SAXS) measurements reveal the formation of lamellar nanostructures and confirm their retention after photocuring in various gels. Rheological analysis confirms that these gels exhibit key properties suitable for extrusion‐based 3D printing, such as shear‐thinning behavior. Additionally, tensile testing is conducted to evaluate the mechanical properties across cured print samples. This study underscores the potential of nanostructured gels as a robust and versatile platform, facilitating the development of materials engineered for various applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2024

3D printed carbon fiber reinforced carbon as an energy efficient alternative to graphite for EFAS tooling

As Electric Field Assisted Sintering (EFAS) gains more industrial acceptance and use, it becomes more important to develop more efficient means to implement this technology. To this aim, 3D printed continuous carbon fiber reinforced carbon (CCC) was manufactured and fabricated into tooling for EFAS systems as an alternative to traditional graphite tooling. The impact of fiber orientation on the thermal and electrical properties of the CCC was characterized. Sample material was sintered in Tokai G535 graphite tooling, under common processing conditions and compared with CCC tooling. There was nearly 50 % energy savings compared to graphite while maintaining equivalent sample density and microstructure plus keeping ram temperatures 39 % cooler. This is due to spatial control of generated heat and thermal diffusivity within the molds, by means of fiber orientation anisotropy. Finite element modeling of the tooling design supported the experimental results as well as displays the effect of optimization of this 3D printed CCC material.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Development of the Thermal Interface Between the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer and the DrACO Sample Delivery Carousel

Icy celestial bodies are an exciting new frontier for surface exploration and in-situ sampling and analysis. These destinations are inherently cryogenic in nature, and each body presents unique challenges related to thermal design. The Dragonfly mission to Titan is one such example. One of the most important requirements of a sampling system is to preserve the integrity of the surface material. The interface between the Dragonfly Mass Spectrometer (DraMS) and the Drill for Acquisition of Complex Organics (DrACO) is complicated by several competing requirements. Development of this interface has required the use of new enabling technologies such as 3D printing to achieve a successful design. This overview of the DraMS Cryogenic subsystem will show how the design meets all the requirements of the interface and preserves integrity of Titan surface samples.

Peter W. Barfknecht↗

DOE OSTI2025

Preliminary hyperspectral neutron radiography of binder jet 3D printed and melt infiltrated Si–SiC

The preliminary results of hyperspectral neutron radiography of Si–SiC made with binder jet additive manufacturing, subsequent carbon addition, and silicon melt infiltration are presented. The samples were measured in the processing states before and after the melt infiltration to determine if neutrons would help characterize the microstructure to better understand the melt infiltration process. Theoretical Bragg edges were calculated for comparison with the radiographic results. The changes in the Bragg edges from pre- to post-infiltrated reaction-bonded SiC were evident, that could be used to address the differences in microstructures. In conclusion, the preliminary results presented in this study demonstrated that neutron Bragg-edge imaging is possible with Si–SiC reaction-bonded ceramics and can help determine the microstructure of melt infiltrated samples.

SiC↗

DOE OSTI2024

Designing Track for Electrospinning Unit and Cost-Effective Laser Scanning System

Nanofibers are produced in the Targeted Systems Department (TSD) by applying a large voltage to the nanofiber fluid and the collection apparatus known as the electrospinner. The fiber is then shot out of nozzles and collected onto the electrospinner into a nanofiber mat. The problem is that since the nozzle heads are stationary, there is non-uniform deposition of nanofiber on the collection drum leading to variation in thickness of the produced nanofiber mat. To mitigate this issue, a reciprocating mechanism is designed to move the nozzle along the drum collector along with the ability to vary its stroke length. This design was realized using Siemens NX and several parts were printed using a 3D printer, but is, as of writing, untested. Second project involved providing an alternative method to scan a large sample that had undergone certain surface deformation by beam interaction and detect out of plane deformation such as micro-scale swelling and surface roughness. Systems to carry out this scanning already exist; however, they are expensive and produce many files that need to be stitched together and are cumbersome to deal with. The solution is to create a scanning system using an already purchased scanning laser and linear stage motor. The laser and stage motor were combined to produce length results that aligned with a digital microscope but differing height results.

Ruffolo, Leopoldo↗

DOE OSTI2024

Designing a track for an electrospinning unit and cost-effective laser scanning system

Ruffolo, Leopoldo↗

DOE OSTI2025

Internal-Gelation Production of Uranium Oxide Sol-Gel Particles for Forensic Applications

The purpose of this project was to develop and demonstrate a novel method for the production of uranium oxide microsphere particles with tunable chemical compositions via a sol-gel process using a 3D-printer setup. These particles can serve several purposes in research and development as a forensic training tool or as standard reference materials. A key component of the project was to demonstrate the ability to control physical and chemical parameters of the particles created. First, we demonstrated the ability to employ an internal gelation sol-gel process to create individual uranium oxide particles. The particles were successfully dispensed using a unique 3D-printing setup onto a substrate to react and then were collected and thermally processed. A series of temperatures for the annealing process was tested on individual samples to investigate the effect on the sol-gel chemical composition and physical integrity. Next, we demonstrated the ability to control matrix composition of the particles by separately incorporating fission product isotopes as well as Np-237 into the sol-gel solution. It was shown by gamma-ray spectroscopy that these matrix elements were successfully retained during the gelation process. We studied the retention of the elements across a series of annealing temperatures. Additionally, we demonstrated the ability to quantitatively control the isotopic composition of the particles by altering the U-237/U-238 ratio to a controlled value. Finally, X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) was used to investigate the oxidation state of the sol-gel after annealing at different temperatures.

37 - INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL C↗

NASA NTRS2023

Space Environmental Effects on Additively Manufactured Materials – Results from MISSE-9 and MISSE-10

The NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) Space Environmental Effects (SEE) and Contamination Control (CC) teams prepared and characterized MISSE-9 and MISSE-10’s additively manufactured (AM) materials samples to investigate the effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation, thermal cycling, outgassing, and temperature and provide data on the durability of these samples. Materials studied were polyetherimide (Ultem 1010 and 9085), electrostatic dissipative polyetherketoneketone (ESD-PEKK), also known commercially as Antero 840CN03, polycarbonate biocompatible per ISO 10993 USP Class VI (PC-ISO), and Inconel 718. Some samples were manufactured at MSFC, while 3D printer manufacturers Stratasys and Made In Space, Inc. (MIS) (now Redwire) participated in this effort to compare different vendors and printing setups. Results from nondestructive analyses and tensile testing are presented.

additive manufacturing↗

DOE OSTI2025

3D Printing of Cement-Based Materials Using Seawater for Simulated Marine Environments

Global demand for adaptable and rapidly deployable construction solutions in offshore, coastal, and fluvial environments continues to rise, driven by pressing needs to develop energy platforms, improve coastal resilience, and support emergency response in the face of natural disasters. Increased investment in human-made coastal infrastructure, such as piers, support structures for power lines, offshore wind farms, and seawall protection systems, further underscores this trend. This study investigates the development of printable concrete mixtures for underwater environments using seawater as a replacement for freshwater, using a 3D printing syringe-based extrusion system. The effect of seawater addition and the printing medium (in air vs. underwater) was assessed via rheological and mechanical performance characterization. The results indicate rheological properties are favorable for seawater adoption by producing mixtures with higher yield stress and viscosity with the same levels of admixtures used for freshwater. Seawater-based mixtures demonstrated superior dimensional stability compared to freshwater counterparts, maintaining cross-sectional geometry, while compressive strength results showed no statistical differences between in-air and underwater samples. However, flexural strength was significantly influenced by geometry and printing medium. These findings establish critical rheological parameters for printable underwater mixtures and highlight the need for optimized curing strategies and layer bonding techniques to improve interfacial strength in underwater 3D printing applications.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

DOE OSTI2025

Effect of 3D-printed surface textures on wear mechanism in 3-body abrasion of soil

This study systematically investigates the enhancement of wear resistance in 3D printed surface textures through both experimental and theoretical approaches. Three distinct surface morphologies (Smooth Surface, Surface with uniformly distributed Pits, and Surface with uniformly distributed Bumps) were fabricated using High-Impact Polystyrene, where the meso-scale textures were precisely controlled through the 3D printing process. Wear behavior was evaluated using a 3-body wear tester in an abrasive particle environment, analyzing the influence of surface textures under various operating conditions. Systematic wear tests revealed that optimally designed surface textures achieved a remarkable 77 % reduction in wear compared to the worst-performing sample. The wear mechanisms were comprehensively characterized through weight loss measurements, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy (EDS) analyses, elucidating the surface morphology changes and their interaction with wear particles. Notably, the study identified how the geometric characteristics of surface textures influence the movement of wear particles and the distribution of contact stresses. Discrete element method simulations corroborated the experimental findings, providing theoretical validation for the enhanced wear resistance of the optimal structure. The high correlation between simulated wear patterns and experimental results validates the reliability of the proposed design methodology. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that 3D printed surface texturing offers a cost-effective and scalable approach to significantly improve wear resistance in engineering applications, presenting a practical alternative to conventional, high-cost surface engineering methods.

3-body abrasion↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Quick and Correlative TOF-SIMS Analysis of Dispersoid Content in Powder Feedstock and Printed Oxide Dispersion Strengthened Alloys

Oxide dispersion strengthening (ODS) of metal alloys, when combined with additive manufacturing (AM), can be used to solve high-temperature material application problems. The performance of ODS materials is dependent on nano-scale oxide being distributed uniformly throughout the metal matrix; a homogenous distribution is critical to the creep and yield strength. Therefore, quantifying and analyzing these oxide nanoparticles is essential for ODS alloy development. Assessing the chemistry and morphology of dispersoids in a material can be conducted using a variety of X-ray and electron-based methods. Time of Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (TOF-SIMS), which assesses chemical concentrations from ion masses, provides the necessary spatial resolution and avoids potential spectral overlap of all elements present. In this work, preparing ODS powder feedstock and Laser Powder Bed Fusion AM was conducted with a NiCoCr alloy and yttria dispersoid, mixed with a Resodyn resonance mixer and printed on an EOS M100 3D printer at NASA Glenn. TOF-SIMS was performed on a Physical Electronics NanoTOF TRIFT V TOF-SIMS at Case Western Reserve University. The TOF-SIMS results collected on the feedstock powder samples correspond to the qualitative interpretation of the homogeneity of the oxide coating on the metal powder from SEM images. This provides quantitative support to the qualitative microscopy images collected earlier in the process design phase. The variance in the yttrium distribution on the powder feedstock samples also correlated with the variance of the yttrium distribution detected in the printed samples. This correlation supported the hypothesis that an even coating of yttria on the metal powders contributes to an even distribution of yttria in the printed material.

Laura G. Wilson↗

NASA NTRS2024

3D Printed Materials Characterization for Rapid Prototyping and Plant Growth

Through KSC IRTD funding in 2022, this project brought a list of 18, 3D printed filaments into formal characterization testing to provide a reference for their behaviors under relevant applications. The project format set up a series of tests to expose 3D printed specimens. A total of 1,989 individual 3D printed test specimens were sent across KSC to be scrutinized by three laboratories to fulfill a multidisciplinary assessment of each material TRL. Testing started with 18 materials. Initially, seed germination assays in the PPA, sample materials were enclosed in petri dishes with lettuce seeds on damp germination paper. No significant impacts on lettuce seed germination were observed in this testing. Next, sample coupons were printed and sent for materials testing to the KSC Analysis/Mechanical and Environmental Testing Laboratory, where they were subjected to 14- and 30-day soak periods in solutions used to provide nutrients to plants or to sanitize hardware before and after use. Following a long soak typical of a 30-day plant growout in Hoagland’s solution, 14 materials gained more than 10% of their own mass. This indicated an increased potential for leaching or providing conditions that are not food safe. Materials that exceeded 15% absorption by mass were eliminated from further testing. Based off this result, the team continued with a core list of nine filaments to fulfill Tensile, Flexural, Biofilm formation, and plant growth testing. Those materials were PLA (Raise3D), ABS (Raise3D), PETG (PolyethyleneTerephthalate Glycol) (Raise3D), ASA (Acrylonitrile Styrene Acrylate) (Raise3D), PC (Polycarbonate) (Raise3D), TPU (Thermoplastic polyurethane)-95 (Raise3D), PLA Copper (Gizmodorks), PP (Polypropylene) (Braskem), and HIPS (High Impact Polystyrene) (Gizmodorks). Testing also quantified the spectral impact of using different color 3D printed surfaces in a growth chamber. The material used for spectral testing was PLA. Printing employed a standard surface texture representative of all materials. It was shown through Tensile Testing (ASTM D638-22) that the breaking force of a 3D printed part greatly varied depending on layer orientation. This is common through all materials, and demonstrates that the strength of a 3D printed component can be maximized by layering the material normal to the primary force on the part. Four-point flexural testing (ASTM D790) provided quantities of interest, Flexural modulus, Flexural strength, Flexural stress, and strain at break within a 5% strain limit from each of nine materials. Biofilm formation testing was conducted in the Molecular and Microbiological Laboratory. Testing completed on specimens from each material showed equal formation on the surface. Additional plant growth testing was conducted in the PPA beyond the initial germination testing. The final assessment documents that three materials (PLA, ABS, and PC) have reached TRL 6 through extensive testing, and ultimate end-to-end applied use in experimental or testing conditions (flight and ground). TRL 5 materials (ASA, TPU-95, PLA Copper, PP, PETG, and HIPS) have all been successfully applied in Research and Development for crop growth applications and are ready to be applied in formal testing. TRL 4 materials Nylon910, PLA Carbon Fiber, PPA CF, PPA Glass Fiber (GF), NinjaFlex, and P-filament 721 are materials that were able to be printed and tested, but have yet to show data meeting applied requirements. TRL 3 NylonX, Flex TPE-185, and Nylon were unable to be reliably printed to fulfill testing. These results provide researchers with reference for materials to use during plant growth experimentation, and also set a standard for future characterization work applying 3D printing and materials to testing, research, and experimentation.

Gioia Massa↗

DOE OSTI2024

Proceedings for the Workshop on Applied Nuclear Data Activities 2024

The Workshop for Applied Nuclear Data Activities (WANDA) is designed to increase communication among nuclear data (ND) users in multidisciplinary federal programs, ND producers, ND funders, and other ND experts. It also presents an opportunity to cross-pollinate ideas as well as introduce ND gaps identified by federal programs to ND experts and ND capabilities to the various federal ND users. WANDA 2024 included five technical sessions, three of which focused on Fusion Energy Sciences (FES)—FES Fusion Neutronics, FES Tritium Production, and FES Material Damage—and two stand-alone sessions—Isotopes and Targetry for Nuclear Data and Uncertainty Quantification. The FES sessions successfully brought new voices to the WANDA discussions, expanding the application space in which nuclear data are critical. FES programs need accurate nuclear data with realistic uncertainty quantification to properly estimate, for example, shielding, activation, tritium production, helium production, structural material integrity, and superconducting magnet operation. This includes a variety of projectile (neutrons, photons, charged particles) and target atoms. One of the action items common to all the FES sessions was a need to perform sensitivity studies to identify the prioritization of nuclear data needs. The Isotopes and Targetry session highlighted the many capabilities available to produce high-quality targets for nuclear data measurements, including 3D printing with spherical powders, combustion synthesis coupled with spin coating & electrospraying, inkjet printing, and isotopic doping. These new methods open doors for more accurate measurement, but it was also stressed that sample characterization following any method of fabrication is of the highest importance to accurately interpret nuclear data measurement results that used that sample. The Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) session was broken into two categories: nuclear data uncertainty quantification and the use of that uncertainty quantification. Thematic to the UQ session was the loss of information when going from nuclear data measurement, to evaluation, to evaluated file, and finally to neutron transport calculations. Current evaluated ND libraries typically only contain covariances, which assume that the probability distributions are Gaussian. Beyond being a simplified assumption for many evaluations, this can lead to negative values on many observables when attempting to sample the covariance. The covariance format, however, is very efficient in that a simple set of linear equations can transform uncertainty from parameters or cross sections to the application of interest. Focused collaboration is needed between nuclear data evaluators and nuclear data users to ensure that needs are being met.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

DOE OSTI2026

Testing of spark plasma sintered porous tungsten under neon glow discharge cleaning conditions in LTX-β

This paper demonstrates that tungsten (W) based powder reconstituted Plasma Facing Components (PFCs) can be treated in situ in a fusion reactor to remove W oxide and carbon (C) contamination. Doing so should ease the challenge of using these materials in a Capillary Porous System (CPS) with lithium (Li) by enabling better wetting and less contamination of the Li by the underlying CPS. Most powder reconstituted materials including 3D printed and sintered PFCs suffer from a high surface contamination from oxides and surface C, which complicates their use with liquid Li, a primary PFC candidate. Spark plasma sintered porous W samples were fabricated to be used as a CPS with liquid Li. The samples were characterized in terms of morphology and surface chemistry. Analysis confirms a high C and oxygen (O) contamination. We present the results of exposing this type of CPS to Glow Discharge Cleaning (GDC) cycles in the Lithium Tokamak Experiment-β (LTX-β). The sample was exposed to neon (Ne) GDC in the midplane of the low-field side of LTX-β and analyzed in vacuo with Temperature Programmed Desorption (TPD) and Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) to investigate the effects the Ne GDC had on the chemical composition of the sample. The combination of Ne GDC with rapid heating as done in TPD was successful in reducing the W oxides and removing the C contamination.

Capillary porous system↗

DOE OSTI2024

Characterization of Si particles in additively manufactured AlSi10Mg using synchrotron transmission X-ray nanotomography

In AlSi10Mg samples manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion, distinguishing the Si eutectic network/Si particles from the Al matrix by X-ray imaging is challenging due to the low absorption contrast between the Al and Si. This work investigates the possibility of overcoming this obstacle in synchrotron transmission X-ray microscopy. Effects of both different defocusing conditions and X-ray beam energies are evaluated and optimal conditions are identified for imaging a sample annealed post-print for 2h at 520°C. It is shown that both large particles (e.g. 4μm) and particles as small as 0.5 μm, can be imaged with reasonable precision in 3D non-destructively.

Defer, M.↗

NASA NTRSDate not supplied

Marangoni effect and its potential utilization in supporting lunar habitats and other extraterrestrial endeavors

Tears of wine is a phenomenon frequently observed as a ring of wine formed near the top of the glass generates droplets that fall back into the wine. This phenomenon can be explained by the Marangoni effect driven by the surface tension created via gradient on concentration and temperature along with the interface between two phases. Besides being observed while drinking wine, the Marangoni effect is crucial for welding metals, manufacturing integrated circuits, and growing crystals; the Marangoni effect might be also crucial in supporting lunar habitats and other extraterrestrial endeavors as vacuum and reduced gravity are expected to augment the Marangoni effect on extraterrestrial molten soil leading to sustainable extraterrestrial in-situ resources utilization (ISRU). Preliminary Marangoni effect assessment on molten lunar regolith was conducted via JSC-1A lunar regolith simulant under vacuum yielding a spontaneous upwards migration of a uniform molten thin-film front that climbed the crucible wall covering the entire wall’s surface and reaching the crucible’s top end. A temperature gradient within the melt’s bulk and along the crucible’s wall generates a surface tension large enough not only to form a meniscus within the three-phase junction (crucible’s wall, bulk melt, and vacuum) but also to supersede the gravitational force to create the upwards migration of a thin film front originated on the meniscus. The observed extensive wettability of the melt with the crucible surface, an additional key factor besides surface tension necessary to sustain upwards migration, is atypical to what it has been witnessed on molten JSC-1A lunar regolith simulant under non-vacuum conditions and smaller sample sizes. The unique formation and self-migration of a thin-film front could enable key ISRU processes such as thin-film coating, crystal growth, and feedstock generation for additive 3D printing. Further assessment on the higher-temperature vacuum-driven decomposition of the uniform thin-film front as it climbed the crucible’s wall revealed a significant decomposition of various simulant’s metal-oxide components into their respective oxygen and metal elements strengthening the feasibility of extraterrestrial generation and fractional separation of oxygen and metals/alloys with none or minimal need for terrestrial precursors. The Marangoni effect assessment on molten JSC-1A lunar regolith simulant clearly opens novel pathways in future extraterrestrial ISRU endeavors including manufacturing and mining. Extraterrestrial mining will require an operational approach completely different from the terrestrial one that heavily relies on not only mechanical excavation and transportation but also post-processing; an in-situ all-in-one process might be feasible via these two coupled phenomena, self-migration and decomposition.

J A Dominguez↗

NASA NTRS2017

A UAV-Based Fog Collector Design for Fine-Scale Aerobiological Sampling

Airborne microbes are found throughout the troposphere and into the stratosphere. Knowing how the activity of airborne microorganisms can alter water, carbon, and other geochemical cycles is vital to a full understanding of local and global ecosystems. Just as on the land or in the ocean, atmospheric regions vary in habitability; the underlying geochemical, climatic, and ecological dynamics must be characterized at different scales to be effectively modeled. Most aerobiological studies have focused on a high level: 'How high are airborne microbes found?' and 'How far can they travel?' Most fog and cloud water studies collect from stationary ground stations (point) or along flight transects (1D). To complement and provide context for this data, we have designed a UAV-based modified fog and cloud water collector to retrieve 4D-resolved samples for biological and chemical analysis.Our design uses a passive impacting collector hanging from a rigid rod suspended between two multi-rotor UAVs. The suspension design reduces the effect of turbulence and potential for contamination from the UAV downwash. The UAVs are currently modeled in a leader-follower configuration, taking advantage of recent advances in modular UAVs, UAV swarming, and flight planning.The collector itself is a hydrophobic mesh. Materials including Tyvek, PTFE, nylon, and polypropylene monofilament fabricated via laser cutting, CNC knife, or 3D printing were characterized for droplet collection efficiency using a benchtop atomizer and particle counter. Because the meshes can be easily and inexpensively fabricated, a set can be pre-sterilized and brought to the field for 'hot swapping' to decrease cross-contamination between flight sessions or use as negative controls.An onboard sensor and logging system records the time and location of each sample; when combined with flight tracking data, the samples can be resolved into a 4D volumetric map of the fog bank. Collected samples can be returned to the lab for a variety of analyses. Based on a review of existing flight studies, we have identified ion chromatography, metagenomic sequencing, cell staining and quantification, and ATP quantification as high-priority assays for implementation. Support for specific toxicology assays, such as methylmercury quantification, is also planned.

Design↗