The aims of the SEALSENSE project have been classified into 3 work packages (WP) and each WP is further sub-classified into tasks.
WP1: WP1 focuses on the biological inspiration, the seal whiskers. We have conducted thorough morphological, mechanical and material characterization of seal whiskers of harbor seals (phoca vitulina) and grey seals (Halichoerus grypus). We have also conducted fluid–structure interaction studies and experimental investigations involving a whisker array mounted on 3D-printed microelectromechanical systems sensors, the vibration characteristics of the whisker array and the interaction between neighbouring whiskers in steady flows and fish-wake-like vortices were explained for the first time.
WP2: This WP targets the development of whisker-inspired MEMS sensors that allow quantification of the long distance wake tracking capability of seal whiskers. We designed and utilized a bioinspired, fully 3D-printed MEMS cantilever sensor incorporating both real and 3D-printed seal whiskers. A high-gauge-factor graphene nanoplatelet piezoresistor, positioned at the proximal end of the MEMS cantilever, measured the vibration frequencies and amplitudes of the whisker structure attached to the distal tip. The MEMS whisker sensor was tested under various experimental conditions that mimic the natural active hunting environment of seal whiskers, providing further insights into their ultrasensitive fish wake-tracking capabilities. The developed 3D-printed MEMS sensor is the first of its kind to exhibit whisker-inspired wake-tracking capabilities. Its compact form factor holds great promise for integration into underwater robots, enhancing environmental perception and enabling long-distance object tracking.
Main Achievements:
Journal publications:
1. Kamat, AM, Zheng, XZ, Bos, J, Cao, M, Triantafyllou, M & Kottapalli, AGP 2024, 'Undulating Seal Whiskers Evolved Optimal Wavelength-to-Diameter Ratio for Efficient Reduction in Vortex-Induced Vibrations', Advanced science , vol. 11, no. 2, 2304304.
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202304304(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie)2. Zheng, XZ, Kamat, AM, Cao, M & Kottapalli, AGP 2023, 'Wavy Whiskers in Wakes: Explaining the Trail-Tracking Capabilities of Whisker Arrays on Seal Muzzles', Advanced science , vol. 10, no. 2, 202203062.
https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202203062(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie)3. Zheng, XZ, Kamat, AM, Krushynska, A, Cao, M & Kottapalli, AGP 2022, '3D Printed Graphene Piezoresistive Microelectromechanical System Sensors to Explain the Ultrasensitive Wake Tracking of Wavy Seal Whiskers', Advanced Functional Materials, vol. 32, no. 47, 2207274.
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202207274(odnośnik otworzy się w nowym oknie)Public engagement activity with stakeholders:
4. ‘Weekend of Science’ a 2 day event (7-8 October 2023 involving seal scientists, veterinarians, students and general public was conducted at the Seal center at Pieterburen, a seal rehabilitation center at the North of Netherlands. This activity involved a talk titled “Wavy whiskers of Wonders” and various hands on demonstrations with 3D printed seal whiskers to general public where people can feel the vibrations of the whiskers the way the seal would experience.
Media reports:
5. ‘Seal whiskers: an example of a perfect technique’ an article featuring my research on seal whiskers was published in Broerstraat 5 Magazine, University of Groningen.
