Burst Test Chamber 

For my first co-op placement, I joined the Variola Lab at the University of Ottawa to contribute to the development of a biomedical pressure-burst test system for evaluating the sealing strength of a novel polynorepinephrine (pNE)-based bioadhesive. My task was to design an ASTM F2392-compliant burst-test chamber capable of quantifying adhesive performance on collagen membranes and other soft biological interfaces.

I designed the system from the ground up in SolidWorks, creating a fully enclosed fixture with threaded compression interfaces, pressure inlets, and seal geometries optimized for 3D printing and leak prevention. After integrating the first prototypes into the testing setup, I ran more than ten iterations—each revealing new failure modes related to air leakage, gel spreading, and collagen porosity. These setbacks made me rethink the entire approach to pressurization and measurement.

Eventually, I transitioned the system from air to water-based pressurization, which eliminated gas permeability issues and produced stable, repeatable results. I also incorporated a differential pressure sensor connected to an Arduino-based data-acquisition script I wrote, enabling real-time pressure tracking and automated data logging during burst events.

What began as a month of unsuccessful prototypes ended with a validated proof-of-concept setup—a compact, low-cost biomedical testing device that established the foundation for future mechanical characterization of the pNE bioadhesive.

A Series of Failed Iterations

Final Design