Engineering Commons^™

The Effects Of Tool And Temperature Parameters On Grain Growth In Friction Stir Welded 7050 And 7475 Aluminum, Kevin Allen Schwendiman, Dr. Tracy Nelson, Dr. Carl Sorenson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Welding Institute (TWI) in Cambridge, England invented friction stir welding (FSW) late in 1991. TWI applied in December of that year for worldwide patent protection. The friction stir welding process is simple, energy-efficient and inexpensive relative to other welding methods. FSW can be implemented to make high quality welds with the most versatility – meaning the process can be used in almost all positions. Tensile, fatigue and bending tests have demonstrated that the properties of friction stir welded materials are superior to those made by other welding methods such as fusion or arc welding.

Static Strength And Durability Testing Of Biomass Fly Ash In Concrete, John Hema, Dr. Fernando Fonseca

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Fossil fuels are used in modern power plants throughout the world to produce electrical energy. This process increases air pollution and generates millions of tons of a by-product known as fly ash. Fly ash is the inorganic residue that remains after pulverized coal is burned. This residue rapidly accumulates and is often disposed of in landfills, filling them to capacity. One solution to reducing the amount of waste has been to use fly ash in concrete.

An Analysis Of Beowulf Supercomputing Clusters, And Their Potential Application In Higher Education, Curtis R. Nielson, C. Richard G. Helps

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A supercomputer may be defined as a computer that leads the world in processing capacity, particularly in terms of calculation speed. Historically, the processing power of a supercomputer has been reserved for government or scientific research agencies; however, advances in computing technology have made the supercomputer an obtainable tool for academia. The Information Age has generated enormous amounts of data, which often require the processing capacity of a supercomputer for proper analysis. Modern supercomputers are well equipped to handle the demands of most data manipulations, but their cost is usually in the millions. A supercomputer design growing in popularity is …

Low Reynolds Number Aerodynamics For Micro Air-Vehicles (Mav), Paul Nelson, Chad Lebaron, Bart Frischknecht, Kristopher Danielson, Jerry Bowman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Very little aerodynamic data exists for Reynolds numbers less than 100,000. It is common for there to be a large discrepancy between numerically predicted and experimental airfoil performance, especially at very low Reynolds numbers. In this research, a low Reynolds number airfoil was developed based on aerodynamic measurements.

An Examination Of The Usefulness Of Lapping For Reducing Tip Leakage In Scroll Compressors, Jared W. Jensen, Paul Eastman, Jason Hugenroth

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Scroll compressors are unique in that the working fluid (in most cases, Freon or Puron™) is continuously compressed in an involute wrap. The geometry of the two scrolls is such that the gas is compressed towards the center in progressively smaller chambers as one scroll orbits the other. Before the gas is discharged, the involute returns to an intake state allowing the compressor to compress several “pockets” of refrigerant at the same time.

Ground Water Modeling For Deseret Ranch In Deer Park, Florida, James Halgren, Dr. Wayne Downs

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The original intent of this project was to create a groundwater model of the Deseret Ranch in Deer Park, Florida, in order to predict the possible detrimental effects of a 3,000-acre landfill planned for the area. Shortly after the acceptance of the proposal, the landfill plans were cancelled and the project had to be reconsidered. Sufficient issues with ranch hydrogeology exist to justify eventual creation of a model, so I changed my focus to collection of the pertinent data to accurately formulate such a model.

Laboratory Design And Construction For Catalyst Characterization, Kenneth G. Crowther, Dr. Larry Baxter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In the midst of industrial development we sometimes fail to foresee problems that may arise from current, seemingly economical, methods of production. One oversight in many industries ranging from Power to Caprolactam production is nitrogen oxide (NOX) emissions that damage our bodies and limit visibility. NOX are highly reactive molecules that are responsible for the formation of ground level ozone, acid aerosols, acid rain, and photochemical smog; all which pose a threat to the health of humans and other living things. This problem, however, is finally noticed. Government legislation is going into effect that is reducing the amounts of NOX …

Computer Simulation Of Microstructures Based On Two-Point Correlation Functions, Benjamin L. Hansen, Dr. Brent Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A great amount of variance exists in the properties of any material. The ability to accurately predict these properties allows for designers to find the “best” material in highly constrained design situations. Many properties, such as elasticity and conductivity, are relatively insensitive to grain boundary interfaces and dislocations, and are thus accurately predicted by simple averaging techniques with a first-order description of the microstructure. However, many properties that effect lifetime to failure such as plastic yielding, intergranular stress corrosion cracking, and embrittlement are sensitive to dislocations and grain boundary interfaces. Therefore, second-order descriptions of the microstructures are needed to estimate …

Enhanced High-Alphabet Fm For A Flight Termination System, Brent Allen Kenney, Dr. Michael D. Rice

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The BYU Telemetry Lab has functioned in a consulting role for NASA’s Enhanced Flight Termination System (EFTS) group since 2000. NASA initiated the EFTS program to develop a new system to be used on their many test ranges for unmanned flight vehicles throughout the country. In the event that a flight vehicle loses control and threatens to endanger lives, the EFTS will place the vehicle in a zero-thrust state either by parachute or planned explosion. To ensure safety, the desired feature of EFTS is the reliability or the communication link rather than high data throughput.

Use Of A Gradient-Based Search Method To Reconstruct The Temperature Profile Along An Optical Fiber Thermometer, David G. Barker, Dr. Matthew R. Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Advances in the area of Optical Fiber Thermometry (OFT) are leading to more accurate temperature measurements in high-temperature environments. A typical OFT application is when the tip of an optical fiber is inserted into an environment where the temperature is to be measured. The other end of the fiber is attached to an optical system where light from the fiber is measured (see Figure 1). From the light emission measurements, the temperature at the heated tip of the fiber can be inferred.¹

Introduction To Volume 6, Michael Sherr

Journal of Adolescent and Family Health

Introduction to Volume 6

Optimization Of Ald High-K Dielectrics Via C-V Analysis, William Abisalih

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

As device scaling is an ever present concern in semiconductor manufacturing, the need for thin, conformal films with which to fabricate these devices is paramount. One technology that appears prominently placed to fill this need is Atomic Layer Deposition. This work presents a study on atomic layer deposited alumina (Al₂O₃), hafnia (HfO₂), and silicon dioxide (SiO₂) as dielectric materials characterized using capacitance-voltage (CV) analysis. MOS capacitors were fabricated utilizing various combinations of alumina or hafnia and silicon dioxide as an interfacial layer. Each dielectric film was characterized optically to determine the thickness, …

Investigation Of A Self-Assembled Monolayer As A Cu Diffusion Barrier For Solar Cell Metallization, Anthony F. Aiello

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

Copper diffusion into the silicon bulk is a detrimental obstacle to advanced-CMOS and photovoltaic processes that seek to incorporate copper into the metallization steps because of its deep-level trap nature to carriers. Recent studies have hinted that an organic porphyrin or silane-based self-assembled monolayer (SAM) could be a method of prevention to copper diffusion. Inorganic alternatives using TiO₂ or Ni may also present a solution. The self-assembly of 5,10,15,20- Tetrakis(4-hydroxyphenyl)-21H,23H-porphine (OHTPP) over SiO₂ has been examined using atomic-force microscopy (AFM), contact angle measurements, and variable angle spectroscopic ellipsometry (VASE). Results indicate that this particular OHTPP chemistry fails to …

Investigation Of Electrical Characteristics Of Sputtered Igzo Tfts, Nicholas Edwards

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

A study on the gas ambient (varying percent 02 flow) and gap spacing (distance between the target and wafer) during the sputter deposition of indium-gallium-zinc-oxide (IGZO) for a TFT channel material was executed. The effect these parameters have on electrical characteristics was investigated to better understand the role 02 vacancies play on device performance. This experiment was performed to enable investigations on IGZO TFTs without the use of external resources. Devices fabricated exhibited differences between treatment combinations, however results show a lower on-off current ratio, larger subthreshold swing (SS) and higher threshold voltage (Vth) than observed from devices fabricated with …

Dry Etching For High Aspect Ratio Silicon Fins, Michal Kucer

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

The aim of this project is to develop a dry etching process that could be utilized to realize high aspect ratio fins. The traditional planar silicon transistor has seen amazing development ever since it became the workhorse of the semi conductor industry and the dominant way of realizing logic and analog circuits. However as its gate channels length is scaled down, the transistor encounters issues termed short channel effects and which has sprouted an extensive research into future replacements for the planar MOSFET. One of such devices is the Fin Field Effect Transistor or FinFET. Most of the FinFET fabrication …

"Black Silicon" By Rie For Photovoltaics, Jacob D. Lana

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

Silicon-based solar cell technology continues to dominate the solar cell market making efficiency improvements to this class of devices sought after. A RIE process for creating “Black Silicon (BS)” was developed and integrated into a monocrystalline- Si solar cell process. Solar cells with BS exhibited an R_avg of 3.8% compared to 38.4% for solar cells with no antireflection apparatus (λ = 360-750 nm). BS solar cells were also found to have an EQE 16.4% higher than that of the control (λ = 360-1100 nm). On average J_sc and FF was higher for the BS solar cells …

Surface Cleaning Of Iii-V Pin Diodes To Reduce I0 For Tfet Applications, Ian R.T Manwaring

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

The effect of surface cleaning and passivation techniques on the reverse bias saturation current Jo of In_0.53Ga_0.47As PIN diodes was investigated. The primary surface clean and passivation chemistries used were an HCI/D.I. H₂O solution, and an (NH₄)₂S solution, respectively. The effect of a Benzocyclobutene (BCB) capping layer, along with the influence of the BCB adhesion promoter was also investigated. It was found that the use of the surface clean and sulfide passivation reduced I₀ by over an order of magnitude, while also drastically tightening the overall distribution of I …

Mems Hall Effect Sensor, Michell Graciani Melo Espitia

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

This paper presents a Hall effect sensor fabricated at the Semiconductor & Microsystems Fabrication Laboratory (SMFL) at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The Device was fabricated to have the maximum sensitivity possible with the available fabrication toolset and processes at the SMFL. The obtained resistivity of the fabricated devices was higher than expected and this affected the sensitivity of the devices. Results are shown where the devices are capable of sensing 100's of Gauss instead of the intended sensitivity of under 1 Gauss.

Design, Fabrication, And Testing Of A Mems Peltier Cooler (Tec- Thermoelectric Cooler), Brendan Merna

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

In this paper, a MEMS Peltier Cooler was designed, fabricated, and tested to prove TEC (Thermoelectric Coolers) can be created with a fabrication process. Design was done using Mentor Graphics IC Station software, fabrication was done using a custom process, and testing was done using built in temperature sensors to observe the temperature difference between each side.

Self-Aligned Crossbar For Memristive Device Fabrication (May 2014), E Pethybridge

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

Shadow Evaporation is demonstrated as a means of producing self-aligned crossbar structures with potential memristive applications. This serves as a solution to difficult metal oxide etching processes by substituting them with a single liftoff to form both electrodes. SEM and STEM analysis confirm the proper formation of the device and highlight opportunities for process optimization. The most significant improvement area is the replacement of the tantalum with aluminum for electrode material to prevent oxidation. The shadow evaporation process and device formation are the focus of this exercise.

Characterization Of Conductive Tin Oxide For Mems Chemical Gas Sensors, Alycia N. Roux

Journal of the Microelectronic Engineering Conference

Conductive tin oxide films were deposited through reactive sputtering on glass substrates under different preparation conditions sch as substrate temperature, substrate type, and total chamber pressure. The films were characterized viz X-ray diffraction (XRD), thickness, and sheet resistance. The thicknesses of the films were found to be around 0.5 microns for the oxide films which is half the thickness of the metal control films. The thickness of the heated oxide film was measured to be 0.4 microns. The sheet resistances of the oxide films ranged from values of 98 Ω/sq. to an unreadable value due to the entire film being …

Advanced Computing Systems For Scientific Research, Jared Buckley, Jason Covert, Talia Martin

Undergraduate Review

An advanced computing system was constructed at Bridgewater State University to provide students access to computing machines tailored to the purpose of computational scientific research. This paper provides an overview of the construction, design, capability, and future potential of the computing system.

Project Reasoning
During the course of projects utilizing a numerical weather prediction (NWP) model, it became evident that the desktop computing machines provided to students in computer labs were not capable of yielding results in a reasonable amount of time for non-standard applications. The standard configuration of computers in the Conant Science and Mathematics Center at Bridgewater State …

Comparative Analysis Of Gps Data, Kiel Von Lindenberg

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

The goal of this project is to calculate the distance traveled during a bike ride around the University of South Florida using information gathered by a GPS (Global Positioning System) application on a smartphone. We calculate the route distance in two ways: from latitudes and longitudes using the haversine formula and 2) from velocities and times using the trapezoidal rule. These computed distances were compared to the distance given by the smartphone application.

Voltage Smoothing With A Capacitor, Martin Copello

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

A rectifier is an electrical circuit that converts alternating current to direct current, e.g., a half wave rectifier removes lower valleys of the AC voltage wave. If a capacitor is placed in parallel with a half wave rectifier, the transition from voltage peak to peak is smoothed to closer resemble constant DC voltage. The objective of this project was to model the voltage changes of a half wave rectifier with a parallel capacitor. It was found that the smoothness of the voltage waves increased as the capacitance of the capacitor increased.

Rocket Flight Path, Jamie Waters

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

This project uses Newton’s Second Law of Motion, Euler’s method, basic physics, and basic calculus to model the flight path of a rocket. From this, one can find the height and velocity at any point from launch to the maximum altitude, or apogee. This can then be compared to the actual values to see if the method of estimation is a plausible. The rocket used for this project is modeled after Bullistic-1 which was launched by the Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry at the University of South Florida.

Intellectual Property Issues In The Network Cloud: Virtual Models And Digital Three-Dimensional Printers, Darrell G. Mottley

Journal of Business & Technology Law

No abstract provided.

Measuring Pain Withdrawal Threshold Using A Novel Device In "Pseudo-Continuous" Mode, A. H. Walker, S. Thurman, N. Martinez, S. Burns, M. Dobretsov

Journal of the Arkansas Academy of Science

The study of pain and analgesia is an important area of biomedical research that has led to a significant number of advances in the treatment of acute and chronic pain. This study introduces a novel approach to mechanical testing of pain withdrawal of a rat hind paw to a stimulus. This systematic method involves a modified electronic esthesiometer controlled by an IDEA drive that allows for consistency in experiments. The device gives the experimenter computer control of the step size and velocity of approach of the probe stimulus. We discuss here some of the limitations in the current techniques used …

The Journal Of Undergraduate Research: Volume 12

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

This is the complete issue of the South Dakota State University Journal of Undergraduate Research, Volume 12.

Integration Of A Pulsating Heat Pipe In A Flat Plate Heat Sink, Mitchell Hoesing

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

The ongoing development of faster and smaller electronic components has led to a need for new technologies to effectively dissipate waste thermal energy. The pulsating heat pipe (PHP) shows potential to meet this need, due to its high heat flux capacity, simplicity, and low cost. A flat plate PHP was integrated into an aluminum flat plate heat sink with a simulated electronic load. The PHP heat sink used water as the working fluid and had 20 parallel channels with dimensions 2 mm × 2 mm × 119 mm. Experiments were run under various operating conditions, and the thermal resistance of …

Vibrations Analysis On Tennis Racket String, Jenny Blackburne

The Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to investigate and analyse the vibration of a tennis racket string when a ball is hit. This was done using concepts of mechanical vibrations and modelled using Microsoft Excel. The displacement of the tennis string over time was graphed for two different positions on the racket and two different relative speeds of the tennis ball. It was found that the position of the tennis ball on the racket has very little effect on the displacement of the strings. If the ball or racket is moving faster when the ball is hit, then the displacement …