MicroNed research structure

The MicroNed programme is organised in a number of carefully selected research Clusters. The know-how generated in each cluster is of a generic nature and stands for a whole range of potential products that can be derived of it in the commercial development spinning of from the programme.

The clusters are organised in work packages that bring together closely related and collaborating projects. The latter constitute the smallest building blocks of the programme and are typically carried out by one or two junior researchers. To make optimal use of the available resources and know-how, the MicroNed programme aims at an efficient and natural facility sharing among partners.

Clusters

The programme consist of four Clusters. Two are application driven (MISAT and SMACT) and two are more fundamental in nature (MUFAC and FUNMOD). A short description of the four Clusters is given below. A more complete description of each Cluster can be found on their own webpages.

The titles and goals of the four Cluster are:

1. Micro satellite (MISAT) Main aim is to design and build a prototype micro satellite based on microsystem technology adaptable to and suitable for a variety of new space missions. To achieve adaptability for different space missions, the equipment on-board the spacecraft will be of a plug and play type. More than one spacecraft may be involved in a single mission.
   Coördinator: Wim Jongkind, Technische Universiteit Delft.
2. Smart microchannel technology (SMACT) This cluster is related to the use and construction of short, long, single, multiple as well as complex channel structures. Special micro channel structures will be designed for: atomisation, drop on demand techniques, micro filtration, mixing and separation, fractionation, catalysis, microbiology, controlled drug delivery, micro patterning, micro contact printing, cross flow emulsification, etc. Smart coatings may be applied in and on the channels to obtain better functional properties depending on the application.
   Coördinator: Cees van Rijn, Aquamarijn, Micro Filtration B.V.
3. Microfactory (MUFAC) Microfactory technology addresses new trends in changing concepts of process- and assembly technology towards the production of future small products of cubic centimetre size (incl. MST devices and 3D micro part sub-assemblies) on miniaturised machinery, paying attention to physics on micro level.
   Coördinator: Hans Langen, Technische Universiteit Delft.
4. Fundamentals, Modelling and Design of Microsystems (FUNMOD) This cluster aims at versatile and efficient modeling techniques, which are primarily based on first principles. The trend towards smaller dimensions (submicron) will be strongly reflected in this research. In addition, the clusters aim at optimisation and reliability-based design tools for microsystems.
   Coördinator: Daniel Rixen, Technische Universiteit Delft.

There is a strong relationship between the four clusters. The topics of the two fundamental clusters are related to the challenges of the more application oriented clusters as shown in the figure.

If you have any comments or are interrested in a Cluster's activities, please contact the cluster co-ordinator.