Electro-Mechanical Systems Commons^™

Micro Grids Fabricated For Miniature Ion Thruster, Deborah French, Jesse Taff

College of Engineering Poster Presentations

Part of the research at Boise State is a miniaturized plasma propulsion thruster. The purpose of the thruster is to provide the necessary location realignments for small satellites in space. The grid creates an electrostatic field, which extracts plasma ions from an Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) source. The ions are propelled toward a collector plate being a second identical grid, which in turn creates the desired thrust. The size and density of the openings in the grid are essential to optimizing the thrust produced. The grid geometry contributes to the ion departure angle (focusing) and the ion transparency. The Stainless …

Universal Scaling And Intrinsic Classification Of Electro-Mechanical Actuators, Sambit Palit, Ankit Jain, Muhammad A. Alam

Birck and NCN Publications

Actuation characteristics of electromechanical (EM) actuators have traditionally been studied for a few specific regular electrode geometries and support (anchor) configurations. The ability to predict actuation characteristics of electrodes of arbitrary geometries and complex support configurations relevant for broad range of applications in switching, displays, and varactors, however, remains an open problem. In this article, we provide four universal scaling relationships for EM actuation characteristics that depend only on the mechanical support configuration and the corresponding electrode geometries, but are independent of the specific geometrical dimensions and material properties of these actuators. These scaling relationships offer an intrinsic classification for …

Digitally Programmable Rf Mems Filters With Mechanically Coupled Resonators, Hengky Chandrahalim, Sunil Ashok Bhave

AFIT Patents

A digitally-tunable RF MEMS filter includes a substrate and a plurality of mechanically coupled resonators, wherein a first and a last resonator of the plurality of mechanically coupled resonators are configured to be electrostatically transduced. One or more of the plurality of mechanically coupled resonators are configured to be biased relative to the substrate such that the one or more biased resonators may be brought substantially in contact with the substrate. In a method of digitally tuning an RF MEMS filter having a mechanically coupled resonator array, a DC bias voltage is applied to at least a first resonator and …

Trajectory Generation For Stair Ascent Walking Using Rayleigh Oscillator, T. Afzal, Andrew B. Wright, Kamran Iqbal

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

This paper describes a trajectory generation technique for stair-ascent walking. The knee, hip and ankle joint trajectory during stair ascent are generated using mutually coupled, nonlinear oscillators. The parameters of the oscillators are tuned using the harmonic balance method, which converts the nonlinear differential equations to a set of algebraic equations. Fourier analysis of data generated by stair-ascent walking is performed to extract the amplitude and the phase of the dominant frequency components for each joint trajectory. The solution for the oscillator is assumed to be a sinusoidal wave and then by harmonic balance method the parameters of the oscillator …

The Effect Of Isostatic Pressing On The Dielectric Properties Of Screen Printed Ba0.5Sr0.5Tio3 Thick Films, Siwei Wang, Lingling Zhang, Jiwei Zhai, Fanglin Chen

Faculty Publications

Ba_0.5Sr_0.5TiO₃ thick films with B₂O₃–Li₂O glass sintering aid were prepared by the screen printing method on Al₂O₃ substrates. A 200 MPa isostatic pressure was applied to the films before sintering. After being sintered at 950^∘C, lower porosity and denser microstructure was obtained compared with the films without isostatic pressing. The dielectric constant and dielectric loss were 238 and 0.0028, respectively. A tunability of 61.7% was obtained for the isostatic pressed films, a 27.8% enhancement compared to unpressurized films. These results suggest that isostatic pressing …

Experimental Investigation To Inform Optimal Configurations For Dynamic Near-Field Passive Uhf Rfid Systems, Donnie E. Proffitt Ii

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

RFID has been characterized as a “disruptive technology” that has the potential to revolutionize numerous key sectors. A key advantage of passive RFID applications is the ability to wirelessly transmit automatic identification and related information using very little power. This paper presents an experimental investigation to inform the optimal configuration for programming passive ultra-high frequency (UHF) RFID media in dynamic applications. Dynamic programming solutions must be designed around the tag’s functionality, the physical programming configuration and environment. In this investigation, we present a methodology to determine an optimal configuration to maximize the systems programming efficiency for dynamic applications.

Project Haiti 2012: Providing An Experiential Learning Experience Through The Design And Delivery Of A Water Purifier In Haiti, Yung Wong, Johnathon Camp, Shavin Pinto, Kyle Fennesy, Marc Compere, Yan Tang

Publications

In this paper, we share our experiences and lessons learned from Project Haiti 2012, a project to design and install a water purification system serving 20,000 people per day in the largest tent city in Haiti. Project Haiti 2012 was the third and largest system we have built for Haitians and represents a huge success for all participants and stakeholders. This paper discusses the unique experiential learning opportunity involved in the design and delivery of the water purifier in a foreign developing country. Multiple positive educational, social, and economic outcomes were achieved including students applying knowledge gained from coursework towards …

Mode And Implementation Of A Hybrid Control System For A 2-Mode Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Zhenhua Zhu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Automotive transportation consumes more than 71% of the world's total petroleum energy. The vehicle will have to use less because it will take less than 30 years to consume the rest of the proven conventional oil reservoir if the fuel consumption keeps the current trend. One of the methods to improve the vehicle efficiency is to develop Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV). An HEV combines an internal combustion engine (ICE) and electric motor(s) powered by batteries or capacitors to achieve better fuel economy. Among the HEVs, 2-Mode HEV combines an ICE and two electric motors with two planetary gear sets and …

High Performance Low Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells With Novel Electrode Architecture, Yu Chen, Qian Liu, Zhibin Yang, Fanglin Chen, Minfang Han

Faculty Publications

In this study, we have fabricated high performance low temperature solid oxide fuel cells (LT-SOFCs) with both acicular anodes and cathodes with thin Gd-doped ceria (GDC) electrolyte film. The acicular Ni-Gd_0.1Ce_0.9O_2−δ (Ni-GDC) anode was prepared using freeze drying tape casting, while the hierarchically porous cathode with nano-size Sm_0.5Sr_0.5CoO₃ (SSC) particles covering an acicular GDC skeleton was prepared by a combination of freeze drying tape casting and self-rising approaches. The acicular electrodes with 5–200 μm pores/channels enhance mass transport, while SSC particles of about 50 nm in the cathode promote …

Silica Nanoparticle-Based Coatings With Superhydrophilic And Superhydrophobic Properties, Robert Andrew Fleming

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces have potential for implementation into a variety of fields, including self-cleaning surfaces, anti-fogging transparent materials, and biomedical applications. In this study, sandblasting, oxygen plasma treatments, silica nanoparticle films, and a low surface energy fluorocarbon film were employed to change the natural surface wettability of titanium, glass, and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) substrates, with an aim to produce superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic behavior. The effects of these surface modifications are characterized by water contact angles (WCAs), surface wetting stability, surface morphology and roughness, surface elemental composition, and optical transmittance measurements. The results show that stable superhydrophilic and superhydrophobic surfaces …

Development Of Mems-Based Corrosion Sensor, Feng Pan

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This research is to develop a MEMS-based corrosion sensor, which is used for monitoring uniform, galvanic corrosion occurring in infrastructures such as buildings, bridges. The corrosion sensor is made up of the composite of micro/nano metal particles with elastomers. The mechanism of corrosion sensor is based on the mass transport of corrosive species through the sensor matrix. When the metal particles in the matrix corrode, the electrical resistivity of the material increases due to increasing particle resistances or reduction of conducting pathways. The corrosion rate can be monitored by detecting the resistivity change in sensing elements. The life span of …

Design, Fabrication, Testing Of Cnt Based Isfet And Characterization Of Nano/Bio Materials Using Afm, Zhuxin Dong

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A combination of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and Ion Selective Field Effect Transistor (ISFET) is designed and experimentally verified in order to develop the next generation ion concentration sensing system. Micro Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) fabrication techniques, such as photolithography, diffusion, evaporation, lift-off, packaging, etc., are required in the fabrication of the CNT-ISFET structure on p-type silicon wafers. In addition, Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) based surface nanomachining is investigated and used for creating nanochannels on silicon surfaces. Since AFM based nanomanipulation and nanomachining is highly controllable, nanochannels are precisely scratched in the area between the source and drain of the FET where …

Micro-Grid Wind Energy System, Aaron Steinkraus, Brian Huntziker, Cesar Hurtado

Mechanical Engineering

With the completion of a 3.5kW wind turbine located on Esculea Ranch, the power generated from the turbine was dissipated through electric resistance heaters. ABC Wind was given the task to design, build, and implement a system what will efficiently use the turbine’s harnessed power. After interviewing with the Beef Operations Manager of Escuela Ranch, it was decided to use the turbine’s power to supply supplementary water to anywhere on the ranch where and when needed by grazing cattle. The purpose of this project was to research, design, build and implement a system that would harness the generated power and …

Formula Sae Turbocharger Engine Development, Eric Griess, Kevin Mccutcheon, Matthew Roberts, William Chan

Mechanical Engineering

This project, Formula SAE Turbocharger System Development, was sponsored by the Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo Formula SAE team. The team proposed this project in order to have a powerful yet lightweight engine so they can be extremely competitive at their competition. The baseline output of the single cylinder 450cc engine (2006 Yamaha WR450F) was 46 horsepower and 27 ft-lb of torque. The goal of this project was to increase the output of that engine to 60 horsepower and 35 ft-lb through the use of a turbocharger.

Testing, Analysis, And Model Verification Of Miniature Linear Permanent Magnet Generators, Michael Ray Rippee

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The military has become increasingly dependent on mobile electronic equipment to ensure success and safety of soldiers in remote locations. To operate the electronics, soldiers must carry batteries that can weigh up to 12kg (26.5lb). To decrease the load soldiers must carry, a backpack with an internal linear electric generator has been proposed to provide portable power for soldiers on foot. In designing a generator for this purpose, a simulation was developed to predict the power generation capacity of linear permanent magnet generators. This thesis presents work done to experimentally verify the theoretical simulation with a desired accuracy of 20%. …

Computational Design Of The Electrical And Mechanical Performance Of Steerable Mems Antennas, Morgan Andrew Roddy

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the origins, improvements, and variations of a broadband microwave antenna that can be beam-steered by a micro-electromechanical system (MEMS). The steerable MEMS antenna of this work was comprised of a planar antenna on top of a Silicon membrane. The membrane is etched to create a gimbal hinge structure and a platform which supported the antenna and gave it one or two degrees of freedom of rotation. The antennas presented were broadband and fed by a coplanar waveguide (CPW) transmission line which traversed the hinge structure. The antenna's orientation in space was designed to be changed through electrostatic …

Technology Portal For Energy Efficient Buildings, Larry D. Hermanson, Daniel Studer, Annie Mroz

STAR Program Research Presentations

Project: Technology Portal for Energy Efficient Buildings

Date: August 2, 2012

Author: Larry Hermanson

Mentor: Daniel Studer

Cohort: Annie Mroz

Lab site: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)

Buildings account for 71% of the electricity demand and 39% of the primary energy consumption in the United States. The Commercial Buildings Group at NREL provides builders, designers and building owners accurate information to significantly improve the energy efficiency of new and existing buildings. The Technology Portal for Energy Efficient Buildings will increase the accessibility of standardized and credible energy performance data for all building systems, thereby allowing building owners to better evaluate …

Automated Resonant Wireless Power Transfer To Remote Sensors From An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Brent Griffin

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Wireless magnetic resonant power transfer is an emerging technology that has many advantages over other wireless power transfer methods due to its safety, lack of interference, and efficiency at medium ranges. In this thesis, we develop a wire- less magnetic resonant power transfer system that enables unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to provide power to, and recharge batteries of, wireless sensors and other electronics far removed from the electric grid. We address the difficulties of implementing and outfitting this system on a UAV with limited payload capabilities and develop a controller that maximizes the received power as the UAV moves into …

Design, Analysis And Testing Of Haptic Feedback System For Laparoscopic Graspers In In Vivo Surgical Robots, Nikhil Salvi

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Laparo-Endoscopic Single Site (LESS) Robotics Surgery is an advanced technology in the field of Minimally Invasive Surgery (MIS). The LESS surgical robots significantly improve the surgeon’s accuracy, dexterity and visualization, and reduce the invasiveness of surgical procedure results in faster recovery time and improved cosmetic results. In a standard robotic endosurgery, the palpation of tissues is performed by laparoscopic graspers located at the end effectors. The master-slave configuration in robotic surgery leads in remote access to the operation site. Therefore, surgeon’s ability to perceive valuable sensory information is severely diminished. Sensory information such as haptics, which is essential for safe …

Modeling, Identification, Validation And Control Of A Hybrid Maglev Ball System, Ahmed Elhussein E. Mekky

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis, the electrodynamics of a single axis hybrid electromagnetic suspension Maglev system was modeled and validated by applying it to a single axis hybrid maglev ball experiment. By exploring its linearized model, it was shown that the single axis hybrid Maglev ball has inherently unstable dynamics. Three control scenarios were explored based on the linearized model; (1) Proportional, Deferential (PD) control, (2) Proportional, Deferential, Integral (PID) and (3) PID controller with pre-filtering. This thesis has shown that a PID controller with a pre-filtering technique can stabilize such a system and provide a well-controlled response.

A parametric system identification …