US Naval Research Laboratory 6 articles published in JoVE Bioengineering Flapping Soft Fin Deformation Modeling using Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Imaging Kaushik Sampath*1, Nicole Xu*2, Jason Geder2, Marius Pruessner3, Ravi Ramamurti2 1KS Research Inc, 2Laboratories for Computational Physics and Fluid Dynamics, US Naval Research Laboratory, 3Center for Biomolecular Science and Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory The present protocol involves the measurement and characterization of 3D shape deformation in underwater flapping fins built with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) materials. Accurate reconstruction of these deformations is essential for understanding the propulsive performance of compliant flapping fins. Chemistry Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation Systems for Olfactory Training and Field Testing Lauryn E. DeGreeff1,2, Alison G. Simon3,4, Michael S. Macias3, Howard K. Holness2, Kenneth G. Furton2 1Chemistry Division, US Naval Research Laboratory, 2International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, 3Formerly of International Forensic Research Institute, Florida International University, 4Formerly of National Research Council Post-Doctoral Fellowship Program, US Naval Research Laboratory The Controlled Odor Mimic Permeation System is a simple, field-portable, low-cost method of odor delivery for olfactory testing and training. It is constructed of an odorant retained on an adsorbent material and contained inside of a permeable polymer bag allowing controlled release of the odorant vapor over time. Chemistry Zinc-Sponge Battery Electrodes that Suppress Dendrites Brandon J. Hopkins1, Megan B. Sassin2, Joseph F. Parker2, Jeffrey W. Long2, Debra R. Rolison2 1Naval Research Laboratory, National Research Postdoctoral Associate, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, United States, 2Surface Chemistry Branch, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC, 20375, United States The goal of the reported protocols is to create rechargeable zinc-sponge electrodes that suppress dendrites and shape change in zinc batteries, such as nickel–zinc or zinc–air. Chemistry Nitrogen Compound Characterization in Fuels by Multidimensional Gas Chromatography Rachel D. Deese1,2, Robert E. Morris3, Mark Romanczyk4, Alison E. Metz5, Thomas N. Loegel1 1U.S. Naval Research Laboratory, 2NRC Research Associateships Programs, 3Nova Research, Inc., 4Peraton, 5Naval Air Systems Command, Air-4.4.5. Here, we present a method utilizing two-dimensional gas chromatography and nitrogen chemiluminescence detection (GCxGC-NCD) to extensively characterize the different classes of nitrogen-containing compounds in diesel and jet fuels. Environment Measuring Carbon-based Contaminant Mineralization Using Combined CO2 Flux and Radiocarbon Analyses Thomas J. Boyd1, Michael T. Montgomery1, Richard H. Cuenca2, Yutaka Hagimoto2 1Marine Biogeochemistry, Code 6114, US Naval Research Laboratory, 2Department of Biological and Ecological Engineering, Oregon State University A protocol is described wherein CO2 mineralized from organic contaminant (derived from petroleum feedstocks) biodegradation is trapped, quantified, and analyzed for 14C content. A model is developed to determine CO2 capture zone's spatial extent. Spatial and temporal measurements allow integrating contaminant mineralization rates for predicting remediation extent and time. Bioengineering Microfluidic Fabrication of Polymeric and Biohybrid Fibers with Predesigned Size and Shape Darryl A. Boyd1, Andre A. Adams1, Michael A. Daniele1, Frances S. Ligler1,2 1Center for Bio/Molecular Science & Engineering, US Naval Research Laboratory, 2Joint Department of Biomedical Engineering, North Carolina State University and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Two adjacent fluids passing through a grooved microfluidic channel can be directed to form a sheath around a prepolymer core; thereby determining both shape and cross-section. Photoinitiated polymerization, such as thiol click chemistry, is well suited for rapidly solidifying the core fluid into a microfiber with predetermined size and shape.