Engineering Commons^™

Predicting On-Orbit Seu Rates, Keith S. Morgan, Michael J. Wirthlin

Faculty Publications

As process geometry sizes continue to decrease, microelectronics are becoming more vulnerable to the effects of radiation. Of particular concern are the effects of Single-Event Upsets (SEU) in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA). An SEU causes a dynamic memory element, such as a flip-flop or latch, to unwantedly change state. Since FPGAs are becoming an increasingly attractive solution for space system electronics, it is desirable to predict static on-orbit SEU rates likely to be encountered by a particular device for any particular orbit. Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF) can directly be calculated from a static SEU rate, allowing a system …

Coupling Between Lysozyme And Glycerol Dynamics: Microscopic Insights From Molecular-Dynamics Simulations, Taner E. Dirama, Gustavo A. Carri, Alexei P. Sokolov

College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

We explore possible molecular mechanisms behind the coupling of protein and solvent dynamics using atomistic molecular-dynamics simulations. For this purpose, we analyze the model protein lysozyme in glycerol, a well-known protein-preserving agent. We find that the dynamics of the hydrogen bond network between the solvent molecules in the first shell and the surface residues of the protein controls the structural relaxation (dynamics) of the whole protein. Specifically, we find a power-law relationship between the relaxation time of the aforementioned hydrogen bond network and the structural relaxation time of the protein obtained from the incoherent intermediate scattering function. We demonstrate that …

The Use Of Rfid In Manufacturing And Packaging Technology Laboratories, Manocher Djassemi, Jay Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Mandated use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) on goods at pallet, case and item level continues to churn the Consumer Product Goods (CPG), logistics and retail industry. The statement “Internet of things” is slowly becoming true; with concerted efforts from standard setting bodies such as Electronic Product Code (EPC) global, International Standards Organization (ISO), Fast Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) companies like Gillette, P&G and major retailers like Wal-Mart, TESCO, and the US DoD, to replace barcodes with RFID tags. RFID bridges many areas of manufacturing including inventory management, assembly operation, material handling, packaging and shipping by providing an accurate and …

Mixing And Dispersion Of Nanotubes By Gas Or Vapor Expansion, Francis J. Derbyshire, Rosemary Derbyshire, Rodney Andrews, Bouchra Safadi

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

Novel methods and compositions for coating target surfaces with non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes are disclosed. In one aspect, the methods and compositions of the invention comprise dispersion of non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes in solvent, and application of the non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotube/solvent mixture to a surface by spraying. In another aspect, the methods and compositions of the invention comprise dispersion of non-entangled multi-wall carbon nanotubes in solvent, and applying the nanotube/solvent mixture to a suitable matrix by spraying to form a surface coating which is substantially contiguous with the surface of the matrix. The compositions of the invention are substantially …

Algorithmic Analysis Of The Maximum Level Length In General-Block Two-Dimensional Markov Processes, Jesus R. Artalejo, Srinivas R. Chakravarthy

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering Publications

Two-dimensional continuous-time Markov chains (CTMCs) are useful tools for studying stochastic models such as queueing, inventory, and production systems. Of particular interest in this paper is the distribution of the maximal level visited in a busy period because this descriptor provides an excellent measure of the system congestion. We present an algorithmic analysis for the computation of its distribution which is valid for Markov chains with general-block structure. For a multiserver batch arrival queue with retrials and negative arrivals, we exploit the underlying internal block structure and present numerical examples that reveal some interesting facts of the system.

Strain Induced Half-Metal To Semiconductor Transition In Gdn, Chun-Gang Duan, Renat F. Sabirianov, Jianjun Liu, Wai-Ning Mei, Peter A. Dowben, J. R. Hardy

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

We investigate the electronic structure and magnetic properties of GdN as a function of unit cell volume. Based on the first-principles calculations of GdN, we observe that there is a transformation in the conduction properties associated with the volume increase: first from half-metallic to semimetallic, then ultimately to semiconducting. We show that applying stress can alter the carrier concentration as well as mobility of the holes and electrons in the majority spin channel. In addition, we found that the exchange parameters depend strongly on lattice constant, thus the Curie temperature of this system can be enhanced by applying stress or …

Two-Dimensional Grain Boundary Percolation In Alloy 304 Stainless Steel, Brent L. Adams, John A. Basinger, David T. Fullwood, E. R. Homer

Faculty Publications

This work was supported by the MRSEC program of the National Science Foundation under Award Number DMR-0079996. An experimentally-obtained percolation threshold for high-angle random grain boundary networks in alloy 304 stainless steel is compared to thresholds predicted by percolation theory. A discrepancy occurs in the two values (0.46 experimental and 0.65 theoretical). Possible reasons for the discrepancy are explored. The grain boundary network appears to be composed of two distinct sub-networks, with the 'outer' network acting as the dominant contributor to the percolating paths.

The Hybrid Architecture Parallel Fast Fourier Transform (Hapfft), Joseph M. Palmer

Theses and Dissertations

The FFT is an efficient algorithm for computing the DFT. It drastically reduces the cost of implementing the DFT on digital computing systems. Nevertheless, the FFT is still computationally intensive, and continued technological advances of computers demand larger and faster implementations of this algorithm. Past attempts at producing high-performance, and small FFT implementations, have focused on custom hardware (ASICs and FPGAs). Ultimately, the most efficient have been single-chipped, streaming I/O, pipelined FFT architectures. These architectures increase computational concurrency through the use of hardware pipelining. Streaming I/O, pipelined FFT architectures are capable of accepting a single data sample every clock cycle. …

Passport To The Materials World: Materials Engineering Outreach Activities, Katherine C. Chen, Lisa Christensen, Amanda Runciman

Materials Engineering

No abstract provided.

Characteristics Of Drop Impact On Elastic And Compliant Surfaces, Jeng-Horng Chen

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Due to its importance and wide applications, drop impact on solid and liquid surfaces has been well studied. However, with the progress and wider applications of more sophisticated materials, the relatively less studied physical properties and behavior of a drop impact on elastic or compliant surfaces gradually become more important. Three kinds of common liquid drops impact on both elastic and compliant surfaces were studied experimentally using high-speed digital camera with regular light source at three different impact speeds. The impact effects on compliant surface and the expansioncontraction processes of impacted drops were recorded and analyzed. It is found that …

An Investigation Of Contact Path And Kinematic Error Of Face-Gear Drives, Tsang-Dong Chung, Yun-Yuan Chang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Based on the face-gear generation process, the analytical geometry of face-gear drive with its mathematical model for tooth contact analysis of face-gear and spur pinion meshing was derived. In this paper, contact path and transmission error due to assembly misalignment are analyzed by using the proposed mathematical model and the tooth contact analysis. The effects of assembly error along the axis of face-gear, misalignment of crossed and angular displacement between axes of a spur pinion and a face-gear are all investigated. The results are illustrated by several examples

Condition Analysis Of Concrete Bridge Decks In Utah, Robert S. Tuttle

Theses and Dissertations

Concrete bridge decks in Utah are experiencing observable deterioration due primarily to freeze-thaw cycles and the routine application of deicing salts during winter maintenance activities. Given the need for increasingly cost-effective strategies for bridge deck maintenance, rehabilitation, and replacement (MR&R), the Utah Department of Transportation (UDOT) initiated this research to ultimately develop a protocol offering guidance as to whether deteriorated bridge decks should be rehabilitated or replaced. While threshold values for various non-destructive condition assessment methods were proposed in earlier UDOT research, this work focused on implementing the recommended test criteria. Twelve bridges were identified by UDOT engineers for inclusion …

A Study On The Practical Model Of Planned Effective Rainfall For Paddy Fields In Taiwan, Shi-Ming Tsai, Shinne Chen, Hsin-Yi Wang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

No abstract provided.

Motion Behavior Of Impact Oscillator, June-Yule Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This paper concerns a mass-spring-damper linear oscillator with endstop system. The parameter dependence of the impact oscillator is studied and the techniques of the bifurcation diagram, phase trajectory, impact map and Poincare map are applied. For the driving frequency ranges that no explicit solutions in analytical method, a complete bifurcation diagram is plotted using numerical solutions. Consequently, the phenomena of the complete, incomplete and chaotic chattering are classified as m-impact period-n motion using impact map and Poincare map.

A Synchronous Primary-Side Dimming Controller For Cold-Cathode Fluorescent Lamp Ballast, Jenn-Jong Shieh

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this paper, a rectified quasi-sinusoidal pulse width modulation (RQSPWM) controller is first proposed for the cold-cathode fluorescent lamp (CCFL) ballast to achieve a synchronous primary-side dimming control. It is seen that, with the novel controller, not only the lamp flickering problem and the thermometer effect can be eliminated but also the useful photo-coupler in secondary side can be avoided to reduce cost. Then, small signal models of the CCFL ballast and the proposed RQSPWM dimming controller are derived to analyze the performance of the ballast system and help corroborate hardware loop measurements. Finally, a prototype is constructed for verifying …

Genetic Algorithms For Design Of Pipe Network Systems, Hong-Min Shau, Bi-Liang Lin, Wen-Chih Huang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In the last three decades, a significant number of methods for optimal design of pipe network systems have been developed using linear programming, non-linear programming, dynamic programming, enumeration techniques, and genetic algorithm (GA). This paper presents a genetic algorithm (GA) approach to the design of a pipe network systems. The objectives considered are minimization of the network cost in the practical requirement. Of all the preceding methods, GA based methods appear to be robust, as they can handle discrete pipes sizes with ease and produce a set of alternatives. By judgmentally selecting the Ruey-Fang district water supply system for the …

A Research Combines Nondestructive Testing And A Neuro-Fuzzy System For Evaluating Rigid Pavement Failure Potential, Shuh-Gi Chern, Yu-Shih Lee, Rong-Feng Hu, Yen-Jen Chang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In recent years, advances in hardware and software technology had brought to significant improvement of NDT (Non-Destructive Test) equipment. In the field of evaluation and designs for the airfield pavement, NDT has been extensively used. NDT is an efficient methodology for assessing the structural condition of an airfield pavement, in the meantime, engineers need to carry other methods for assessing pavement performance, such as visual condition, roughness, and friction characteristics in completing the overall pavement evaluation. In this research, a model combined neuro-fuzzy system, PCI method (pavement condition index, visual inspection) and NDT (Heavy Falling Weight Deflectometer, HWD, structural condition) …

Electromechanical Analysis Of Piezoelectric Laminated Composite Beams, Ming-Hung Hsu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This work demonstrates the electromechanical behavior of piezoelectric laminated composite beams using the differential quadrature method (DQM). The Chebyshev-Gauss-Lobatto sample point equation is used to select the sample points. The electromechanical responses of piezoelectric laminated composite beams with various boundary conditions are determined. The transient responses of the derived systems are calculated using the Wilson-method. In this approach, only nine sample points are required to obtain convergence. Numerical results indicate that the DQM is valid for a piezoelectric laminated composite beam formulation

Method And Sealant For Weld Joints, David C. Van Aken, John A. Baumann, Richard J. Lederich, Rajesh Talwar

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A sealant for a weld joint and an associated weld joint and method are provided. The sealant includes aluminum and germanium and is characterized by a melting temperature that is lower than the melting temperature of the structural member that is joined. The sealant, which is disposed between faying surfaces of the structural members, can fill the spaces between the structural members to prevent the entry of chemicals, moisture, debris, and other substances, thereby reducing the likelihood of corrosion of the joint or structural members at the interface. Further, the sealant can be diffusion bonded to the faying surfaces, for …

Collaborative Experimentation And Simulation: A Pathway To Improving Student Conceptualization Of The Essentials Of System Dynamics And Control Theory, Javier A. Kypuros, Thomas J. Connolly

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The overarching goal of this research is to improve conceptualization of System Dynamics and Controls concepts by incorporating a Web-facilitated curriculum to enable intercampus collaboration and remotely-accessible or virtual systems. This approach will complement lecture-based curricula and will strongly enhance students’ conceptualization and exposure to System Dynamics and Controls fundamentals by providing less restricted exposure to a variety of systems that encompass the more important Dynamic Systems concepts. The plan involves the development of a System Dynamics Concepts Inventory and the implementation and assessment of three Web-enabled laboratory formats: (1) inter-campus collaborative experimentation, (2) remotely-accessible experiments, and (3) virtual system …

Introduction To Product Design And Innovation: A Cross Disciplinary Mini Curriculum, Patricia Backer, Seth Bates

Faculty Publications

For the past two years, faculty at San Jose State University (SJSU) have implemented a three- semester minicurriculum in Product Design and Manufacturing. The project follows the Project- Based Learning (PBL) model and is central to the Certificate Program in Product Design in the Mechanical Engineering Department, the Manufacturing Systems concentration in the Department of Aviation and Technology, and the Industrial Design Program in the School of Art and Design. Students in the three courses in the minicurriculum face design challenges while being instructed about the constraints of manufacturability. In each course, students develop three to four products. All products …

A Shift In Teaching Methodology: From Instructor Led To Student Driven Multimedia Instruction, Patricia Backer

Faculty Publications

Multimedia can be a powerful tool in exploring the nature of the world around us, including its technological systems. This paper describes the design, development, and evaluation of self- paced multimedia and web-based modules that are used in an advanced General Education (GE) course in the College of Engineering at San José State University. The design and development cycle of these modules began in 1994 and spanned nine years. The General Education course, Technology and Civilization (TECH 198), is designed to introduce students to the realm of history and usage of technology in society and to increase their awareness of …

How To Start A University Business Plan Competition: The Experience Of San Jose State University, Michael Solt, Asbjorn Osland, Anuradha Basu

Faculty Publications

San Jose State University’s Silicon Valley Center for Entrepreneurship has hosted a business plan competition for the last two academic years. The purpose of the Silicon Valley Business Plan Competition (SVBPC) is to stimulate interest in entrepreneurship among students and help to create new start-ups. The winners have typically been MBA students with an engineering background. This paper documents the process of planning and implementing the SVBPC as it has evolved at San Jose State University (SJSU), the resources required, and the key challenges encountered in organizing this annual event and widening participation in the competition. The paper reports on …

San Jose State University Based Incubators: Loosely Coupled Elements In Silicon Valley’S Entrepreneurial System, Asbjorn Osland, Burton Dean

Faculty Publications

The San Jose Redevelopment Agency (RDA) fostered and continues to nurture incubators. In partnership with the RDA, San Jose State University (SJSU), through its Foundation, operates four fairly autonomous loosely coupled university based incubators (UBIs). Their primary mission is to develop start-ups. They also provide excellent learning opportunities for students. What they have not done is commercialize university or faculty intellectual property. The incubator directors are experienced business people who have the business acumen to nurture start-ups successfully, which they have done. The RDA, SJSU, the UBIs, and the incubator directors are all part of the entrepreneurial system that characterizes …

The Effectiveness Analysis Of The Online Tools For Engineering Faculty Needs, Ismail Fidan, Jianbiao Pan, Leijun Li

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

As the use of Internet is increasing dramatically, many faculty members are using it in their teaching, research, and services. The Internet also provides faculty easy access to employee benefits and other information. Many universities are using or plan to use online teaching. Lately, many editorial and funding agencies have also started to initiate online review and decision-making system. These systems have eased the burden on both reviewers and agencies. In this study, a survey was prepared and conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the online tools for faculty needs in authors’ institutions and some other United States universities. The …

A Senior Level Polymer Electronics Course: Unique Instruction Or Just Low Cost?, David Braun

Electrical Engineering

After progressing from research laboratories to factories to the market, semiconducting polymers now appear in commercial products and offer educational opportunities. Semiconducting polymers are excellent materials with which to teach semiconductor device fabrication principles, device testing, optical and electronic properties, polymer synthesis, polymer film preparation, and structure-property relationships. Previous publications have emphasized multidisciplinary course modules based on semiconducting polymers.1 This work emphasizes how the use of semiconducting polymers in an undergraduate polymer electronics course benefits electrical engineering and computer engineering students.

Integration Of Computer-Based Electronics Laboratory In A Control Systems Course, Julio Garcia, Patricia Backer

Faculty Publications

The goal of this project is to adapt the work of other researchers to improve the delivery of electronics lecture and laboratory content in the Electronics & Computer Technology (ECT) area of the BS in Industrial Technology at San Jose State University. There are several other demographic factors that serve to make the delivery of instruction challenging for the department. Approximately 70% of ECT students work at least 30 hours a week. SJSU also has a diverse student population with 62% of all undergraduates identified as having non-White ethnicity. A higher percentage (69%) of the undergraduate students in the BSIT …

Development Of Project-Based Introductory To Materials Engineering Modules, Stacy Gleixner, Elliot Douglas, Olivia Graeve, Hilary Lackritz, Laura Demsetz, Amy Moll

Faculty Publications

This paper will discuss the progress of curriculum development under an NSF, CCLI-EMD sponsored work, “Development of Project-Based Introductory to Materials Engineering Modules” (DUE # #0341633). A multi-university team of faculty are developing six lecture and three laboratory modules for use in Introductory to Materials courses. This course is required by most engineering programs in the U.S., with an annual enrollment of 50,000 students. This freshman/ sophomore class is an ideal place to excite students about their engineering majors and expose them to engineering design experiences. PRIME Modules, Project Based Resources for Introduction to Materials Engineering, are being developed that …

Slides: Interstate Marketing And Similar Economic Approaches, Jim Booker

Hard Times on the Colorado River: Drought, Growth and the Future of the Compact (Summer Conference, June 8-10)

Presenter: Jim Booker, Siena College.

27 slides.

Slides: Establish True Basin-Wide Institutions: The Return To The River Basin As The Unit Of Management, Charles W. (Chuck) Howe

Hard Times on the Colorado River: Drought, Growth and the Future of the Compact (Summer Conference, June 8-10)

Presenter: Charles Howe, University of Colorado.

13 pages and 10 slides.

Contains references.