RSS 1.0Student Research & Publications
Browse by
Sub-communities within this community
Recent Submissions
-
Systematic review of rigorous research in teaching introductory circuitsSystematic review is a meta-analytical framework for quantitatively searching, sorting, and synthesizing scholarly research on a particular topic. Systematic review techniques have recently gained traction in the field of engineering education. A systematic review performed over a specific area of practice can consolidate results from many studies into a synthesis of best practices. This paper presents the best practices for teaching introductory circuits which were identified through a systematic review of prior research. Relevant publications were identified and appraised with a set of coding criteria generated by the researchers. The coding results were examined and used to write a mixed-methods synthesis of consensus, disagreement, quality, and limitations amongst studies identified by the systematic literature review. The results of the review may inform educational techniques employed in post-secondary introductory circuits courses.
-
Modelling thin-film transistors for understanding material properties and improving electronic device performanceAs new materials continue to develop through theoretical and experimental findings, it is desirable to have a reliable method of testing the materials to better understand their unique properties. Reliable computer modelling of electronic devices composed of these materials provides an inexpensive means of determining how a material will perform. Here we demonstrate the use of a computer software to accurately model electronic devices. We focus on amorphous silicon thin-film transistors and relate what is observed computationally to published experimental and theoretical results. We show that the computer models can be used to accurately study materials for applications in advanced electronic devices. We then discuss opportunities in new materials discovery that this type of modelling might permit.
-
Characterization of statistical co-polymer vinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene-phenylphosphonic acid functionalized hexafluoropropylene for potential applications as a proton electrolyte membraneMeeting the world’s growing demand for energy without contributing to the emergent problem of anthropogenic climate change requires the use of renewable, carbon-free energy sources which in turn are contingent on advances in materials science. A newly synthesized statistical co-polymer of vinylidene fluoride, hexafluoropropylene and phenylphosphonic acid functionalized hexafluoropropylene (PolyPPA) shows potential for use as a polymer electrolyte membrane (PEM) in a variety of green-energy applications including proton pumps, flow batteries and high temperature-low relative humidity fuel cells. Preliminary testing of PolyPPA samples synthesized using a high molecular weight and low molecular weight feedstock show comparable conductivity, thermal stability and water uptake. Both high and low molecular weight PolyPPA exhibit minimal water uptake, are thermally stable to 160 °C, contain tightly bound water and exhibit low but measurable conductivity with best relative performance in high temperature and low relative humidity conditions. Despite a relatively low conductivity, the absence of liquid acid and the thermal stability suggests possible high temperature and high pressure applications. Future work needs to be conducted to determine how the degree of phenylphosphonic acid functionalization affects the conductivity and mechanical properties to determine an optimal formulation to minimize area specific resistance.
-
Energy optimization strategies in a sequencing batch membrane bioreactorDecentralized wastewater treatment systems can serve small communities and supply water suitable for reuse applications such as irrigation. An example of decentralized treatment is a sequencing batch membrane bioreactor (SBMBR), which treats small batches of wastewater and implements membrane filtration as a final treatment step. While treated effluent from the SBMBR is very high quality, high operating costs are a significant drawback. The following study examines energy optimization strategies to reduce operating costs of an SBMBR designed by Aqua- Aerobic Systems that treats water from Mines Park, a student apartment complex affiliated with Colorado School of Mines.
