Title: Design and development of a nanoparticle deposition system

Authors: Mark J. Jackson, Eduardo Alcorta, Vinay C. Gorrepathi, R.Mark French

Addresses: MET, College of Technology, Purdue University, 401 North Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' MET, College of Technology, Purdue University, 401 North Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' MET, College of Technology, Purdue University, 401 North Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA. ' MET, College of Technology, Purdue University, 401 North Grant Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907-2021, USA

Abstract: This paper outlines the development process of a pneumatic projection device to fire particles into substrates at a range of high speeds. An alternate approach to the existing cold gas dynamic spray device is taken in an effort to seek a simple and cost-effective method for research and industrial purposes. Initially, a large-scale vacuum cannon is used to obtain data and compare velocity results to analytical methods and numerical simulations using computational fluid flow software. A system to precisely measure muzzle velocity is then developed for use on a smaller-scale pneumatic device operating at relatively low pressures (95 psi) and at subsonic velocities. The device is then redesigned and developed for use with a high-pressure (up to 1000 psi) air supply to accelerate particles to supersonic muzzle velocities. The objectives of this study are to develop a device capable of accelerating particles to supersonic speeds in a simple and cost-effective manner when compared to similar existing technologies and to develop a device suitable for the investigation of the effect of impacts on substrate materials.

Keywords: nanomanufacturing; nanoparticles; nanoparticle deposition; pneumatic projection; nanotechnology; supersonic muzzle velocities; particle acceleration; substrate impacts; computational fluid dynamics; CFD.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNM.2008.023176

International Journal of Nanomanufacturing, 2008 Vol.2 No.6, pp.598 - 642

Published online: 12 Feb 2009 *

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