Grant: Discovery Grants Program - Individual

Objectives: The proposed research program aims at continuing the study of the generation and propagation of unsteady compressible flow phenomena, with and without chemical heat release, at millimeter and sub--millimeter scales. Based on these findings, a number of biomedical and aerospace applications will be pursued in the area of high- power density microsystems and cellular mechanical stimulation. Scientific approach: Our approach is based on the experimental observation of compressible flow phenomena at small scale using specially--built devices and on developing simple analytical models to explain the experimental observations. We have developed a unique expertise in the experimental investigation of shock waves in millimeter- and micron- scale channels and we will leverage this capability in the pursuit of specific aerospace and medical applications of these flows. We will then use this new knowledge to develop novel devices exploiting these phenomena. In particular, we will investigate combustion waves in pre-mixed gaseous mixtures and examine if the usual combustion scaling laws and propagation regimes can be extended down to the sub--millimeter scale using appropriate initial conditions (especially elevated pressure) and ignition techniques. If successful, these combustion waves may be used in original miniaturized propulsion and actuation systems. In parallel, these devices will be used to study the detailed interaction of shock waves with living cells, to understand if and when this type of mechanical stimulation may lead to improved cellular function. Novelty and significance: There is great interest in continuous micro--combustion for various MEMS (i.e, Micro Electromechanical Systems) devices (engines, fuel cells, etc.) but only few studies have investigated the initiation and propagation of unsteady combustion waves at small scales, and never at the micrometer scale of our unique experimental facilities. So this should produce valuable new knowledge that can potentially be exploited in the design of novel high- power density microsystems and biomedical devices. Further, our laboratory provides a unique training environments for the next generation of technological entrepreneurs. Then, as we have successfully been doing for the past 25 years, these innovative devices will be patented and further developed with commercialization partners, leading to value and job creation right here in Canada.