Project Microscale heat and mass flow near a sharp heated tip Program Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Research Program Term Fall 2025 Status Closed Research Area Heat and mass transfer, nanotechnology Description Tip based nanometer scale sensing and manufacturing is a basis for various microscopy and lithography techniques. In this project we will explore via simulations and experiments the transport of heat through and mass transport near a sharp nanometer scale tip. Simulations will be carried out using the finite element method in COMSOL. Experiments will be performed on an atomic force microscopy system that is equipped with a heating laser. The goal of the project is to better understand the spatial and temporal distribution of temperature and material flow as a function of heating conditions, environmental conditions, and sample properties. The heated tip can then be leveraged to achieve localized surface sampling for chemical analysis. Supervisor Ryan B Wagner Mentor Type of work required Simulations and/or experiments will be performed in collaboration with a larger project team. A written and oral report of project outcomes is required. Websites Qualifications Interest in heat transfer, nanotechnology, and/or metrology Credit Hours 3 Weekly Hours 10 (estimated)