FURI | Fall 2024

Measuring the Local Strain During Tensile Testing of Electrospun Fibrous Mats for Tissue Engineering Applications

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The primary objective of this project is the mechanical characterization of polycaprolactone (PCL) fibrous scaffolds during tensile deformation. Aligned and unaligned PCL scaffolds will be synthesized and tested for their mechanical properties using an Instron mechanical testing system. Bulk mechanical properties including tensile modulus and strength will be calculated. Future work will evaluate local strain during tensile testing using digital image correlation (DIC). Consequently, this information will extend the understanding of mechanical properties of electrospun scaffolds and how these properties may impact stem cell behavior.

Student researcher

Meir Shimunov

Chemical engineering

Hometown: Peoria, Arizona, United States

Graduation date: Spring 2026