# Advanced Fabrication and Testing  Core

> **NIH NIH P20** · CLEMSON UNIVERSITY · 2021 · $299,842

## Abstract

SUMMARY
As an integral part of the SC-TRIMH, the Advanced Fabrication and Testing (AFT) Core harvests and
consolidates the unique engineering strengths and capabilities at Clemson University to support the junior
investigator projects, and expedite the translation of their innovations to patient specific diagnosis and treatments
of musculoskeletal diseases at the cell/molecule, tissue and body levels. The overall goal of the AFT Core is to
establish the centralized resources of 3D model based designs, rapid prototyping and advanced testing for the
TRIMH investigators to enable and perform their translational musculoskeletal research. The specific aims
include: Aim 1 - Via the Design and Rapid prototyping role of the AFT, enable TRIMH researchers to quickly
design and establish a simulated musculoskeletal component, system or environment that is a physical and
biological replica of a human model to validate the virtual human trial models. Core services toward this end
include mechanical design, CAD drawing, process optimization and rapid 3D printing (nano, micro and macro
fabrications) of the designed parts. Aim 2 - Via the Sensor, Instrumentation and testing role of the AFT, allow
the investigators to design, fabricate and install sensors onto the physical/biological replica for in situ
measurement of various parameters and validation of the models. Core services to assist these outputs include
sensor design, fabrication and installation, optical and electrical design, instrumentation, data acquisition, signal
processing, and advanced testing/validation. Aim 3 - Promote AFT as a leading centralized, sustainable
biomedical engineering resource, especially for musculoskeletal related research at Clemson University, South
Carolina, and beyond. The AFT Core will be led by a multidisciplinary team consisting two engineering
(mechanical and electrical) professors with the combined expertise in mechanical/optical/electrical designs,
advanced manufacturing, rapid prototyping, sensors, instrumentation, imaging, and advanced testing. The
COBRE fund will support experienced staff members to operate/maintain the consolidated facilities, to
train/mentor TRIMH investigators to translate their innovations into clinical successes, and to facilitate the
transition of the AFT Core to a competitive and self-sustained program.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10244917
- **Project number:** 5P20GM121342-04
- **Recipient organization:** CLEMSON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Hai Xiao
- **Activity code:** P20 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $299,842
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2018-09-15 → 2023-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10244917

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10244917, Advanced Fabrication and Testing  Core (5P20GM121342-04). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10244917. Licensed CC0.

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