Microfluidic devices are valuable for a variety of biotechnology applications, such as synthesizing biochemical libraries, screening enzymes, and analyzing single cells. However, normally, the devices are controlled using specialized pumps, which require expert knowledge to operate. Here, we demonstrate operation of poly(dimethylsiloxane) devices without pumps. We build a scaffold that holds th...

In this paper, a simple model for the prediction of centrifuge cone penetration tip resistance in sand is presented. The proposed method, which relates the tip resistance to the pressure to expand a spherical cavity, refines and simplifies Greeuw’s original equations. The method assumed the failure mode of a spherical cavity expansion pressure given as a function of shear stiffness, angle of fr...

The overall intent of this research is to develop numerical models of erosion of levees, dams and embankments, validated by physical models. The physical models are performed at 1-g and at high g’s using a geotechnical centrifuge. The erosion is modeled in detail, from beginning to end, that is from the time the levee is overtopped until the levee is breached. Typical quantities measured as a f...

Soil liquefaction is a major cause of seismic damage in cohessionless soil during earthquakes. From past numerical and experimental research it has been observed that more excess pore water pressure (EPWP) is generated during earthquakes in a heterogeneous soil deposit than in the corresponding homogeneous soil with relative density equal to the average relative density of the heterogeneous soi...

Mechanical separation of liquid animal manure can be an effective technique for production of a liquid and a nutrient-rich solid fraction. The efficiency of separators depends on the physical and chemical composition of the animal manure. Therefore, the particle size composition was measured for different types of manure before treatment with a decanting centrifuge and a screw press. Storage of...

A method is described for a temperature-controlled ultrafiltration procedure to measure free cortisol in serum. A special thermometer with a sensor was developed, measuring the temperature directly in the ultrafiltration device. The sensor is screwed on the axis of the centrifuge rotor, and the centrifuge is placed in a temperature-controlled box so that the temperature of the sample is kept at...

Over the past 30 years, the PDCR-81 pore pressure transducer has become a standard instrument for measuring pore pressures in centrifuge experiments. Following the retirement of this transducer and its reduced reliability, it has become vital to find an alternative sensor for use by the geotechnical modelling community. In this paper, the response of the 2Mie pressure transducer is compared aga...