Diagnostics & Control
Research Centre
Inhouse Research Projects
Respiratory System and Devices
Respiratory disorders are common in both developed and developing countries. Many of these disorders are directly connected to the constrictions in the airways of the human respiratory system. Asthma and bronchitis are typical examples that arise from the constriction of airways. Asthma is a respiratory disease that is characterised by chronic inflammation, hypersensitivity, and obstruction of the airways. During an asthma attack contraction of airway smooth muscle and mucous production cause reduction of the bronchial diameter, significantly changing the airflow resistance in and out of the lungs.
Smart Materials
Optical lenses have existed since the time of ancient Greece and Egypt, yet have remained relatively unchanged since that time. Although the materials used to built lenses has been improved, the same key problem still exists with all traditional lenses – namely, that they possess one fixed focal length. In order to focus with these lenses, the distances between the lens and the object and image planes must be adjusted. Although recent advances in engineering have developed lenses with a number of difference focal lengths (such as graded-index and progressive addition), these do not represent a truly variable focal length lens.
Cardiovascular System Modelling
Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in New Zealand. Many cardiovascular diseases can be treated or cured, if diagnosed in time. The Cardiovascular system modelling group at the DCRC focuses on developing and improving diagnosis methods for cardiovascular diseases.