Meeting Minutes

This week, additional progress was made on the final report rough draft. Additionally, the parts list was finalized and prepared for ordering. The IRB application was finalized to be reviewed by the team advisor. The certified team members submitted the human subjects certification papers to the IRB committee, and those who required it completed the certification.

The fluidics-based conductive design was selected as the final choice. This week, Blake began work on the circuit design. Each member finalized the part selection of the components for which they are responsible, and the budget was finalized. Additionally, initial outlines and delegation of sections for the final report were completed.

This week, progress was made in potential switch selections as well as the development of the state space model for the device. The hand heat requirement calculations were also updated to include radiation and be calculated across the intended 30-second time frame. Thermal inertia differences were evaluated for the two potential design solutions: convective and conductive.

The team discussed the need to develop a model for the hand that includes a radiation term. We evaluated a completed model of the maximum thermal boundary layer thickness with respect to volumetric flow rate in order to determine an optimal volumetric flow rate and water bladder thickness. We chose the material to be Trex following its generous donation.

Following the feedback from the morning’s presentation, we discussed the issues raised and suggestions made. The final design solution was narrowed to two potential conduction-based systems: one fluidics-based and one static. The following week will be spent determining the specific parameters of the interface in the fluidic-based system, potential housing materials, and thermal management plans.

In this meeting, we continued to improve calculations for heat movement required to heat and cool the hand to the desired temperatures. Bulk flow of blood to the hand for the perfusion term was assumed used published averages. Assuming a uniform rectangular slab of skin with 1D heat transfer, required energy movement in Watts was calculated. We also continued to practice the presentation for the Interim Design Review.

This week the team worked to finalize design specifications and their justifications. Verification activities were finalized and tentative validation activities were discussed. The team began presentation preparations for the interim design review presentation, assigning presentation sections to various team members.

In this meeting, various members updated the team regarding accomplished work and data required. Additional required constants for heat capacities of materials etc. were requested for the system model. The project Gantt Chart was discussed and updated to reflect changes suggested by the project advisor. Additionally, progress continued with the IRB application and planning.