Charles Pezeshki

Quality classification via Raman identification and SEM analysis of carbon nanotube bundles using artificial neural networks

One of the major obstacles for successful mass production of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is performing quick and precise characterization of the properties of a given batch of nanotubes. In this paper, we have identified a set of intermediate steps that will lead to a comprehensive, scalable set of procedures for analyzing nanotubes. The proposed methodology was originated with data processing of Raman spectra of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) turfs and image enhancement of SEM micrographs. Image analysis techniques of SEM images were employed and stereological relations were determined for SEM images of CNT structures; these results were utilized to estimate the morphology of the turf (i.e. CNTs alignment and curvature) using an artificial neural networks (ANN) classifier. This model was also used to investigate the link between Raman spectra of CNTs and the quality of the turf morphology. This novel methodology will improve our capability to control the quality of the grown nanotubes through the use of this system in a supervised growth environment.

Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Modeling of Mechanical Behavior for Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Turfs

Several characterization methods have been developed to investigate the mechanical and structural properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs). Establishing analytical models at nanoscale to interpret these properties is complicated due to the nonuniformity and irregularity in quality of as-grown samples. In this paper, we propose a new methodology to investigate the correlation between indentation resistance of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) turfs, Raman spectra and the geometrical properties of the turf structure using adaptive neuro-fuzzy phenomenological modeling. This methodology yields a novel approach for modeling at the nanoscale by evaluating the effect of structural morphologies on nanomaterial properties using Raman spectroscopy.

Empirical Modeling of Nanoindentation of Vertically Aligned Carbon Nanotube Turfs using Intelligent Systems

Establishing analytical models at the nanoscale to interpret the mechanical and structural properties of vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (VACNTs) is complicated due to the nonuniformity in quality of as-grown samples and the lack of an accurate procedure to evaluate structural properties of nanotubes in these samples. In this paper, we present a comparative study of empirical methodologies to investigate the correlation between indentation resistance of multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) turfs, Raman features and the morphological properties of the turf structure using adaptive neuro-fuzzy system and probabilistic neural networks. Both methodologies provide comprehensive and innovative approaches for phenomenological modeling of VACNTs morphologies, mechanical properties and Raman Spectra using intelligent-based systems.

Supporting Sustainable Product Design: A Case Study with InDeaTe Tool and Template at Washington State University, Pullman, WA

InDeaTe Tool and Template is a sustainable design support, aimed at imbibing and improving the sustainability considerations in any design. This paper presents a case-study on the ‘design of a product’ as a sustainable solution for the problems faced currently while making Wooden-fibre boards at the WSU on-campus facility, where an array of boards are made with wood-based materials, to the specifications of its various applications. The objective was to design a product in which the boards can be formed to completion—from laying, orienting to compressing in the hot press, without moving it from one station to another, ensuring care from damage and preferably with minimum human effort. The case study discussed in this paper, illustrates how the use of InDeaTe Tool improved the considerations of all dimensions of sustainability in a product and could be used for design of more sustainable products.

Merging engineering and art: What are the real lessons?

One of the current trends in engineering education is the completion of design projects by multi-disciplinary teams, as being representative of the work environment students will inhabit upon graduation. As a stimulus for creativity, partnerships with truly diverse disciplines are touted as an avenue for innovation and divergent thinking. But are they? In order to explore this concept, two mechanical engineering professors partnered with a clinical art professor, whose specialty is three-dimensional kinetic sculpture. The goal was to conduct a mass collaboration exercise with approximately 60 students over two art projects in a junior-level design class, with the outcome a finished version of the artists vision. Reflective summaries from both mechanical engineering professors contrast both the strengths and weaknesses from a developmental perspective for the students involved in this pedagogical exercise. Additionally, the artist provided summative feedback that was analyzed, as well as answers to specific questions provided by the individual student groups regarding their own reflections on the experience and their personal growth. In closing, both professors offer suggestions for best practice for reaching across disciplines, as well as revisions of the current practice for enhanced pedagogical success.

It’s All About Relationships: How Human Relational Development and Social Structures Dictate Product Design in the Socio-Sphere

In this chapter, the authors explore the implications of Conway’s Law, which states that product design mirrors the organizational and communication structure of the company creating a product. By taking a deeper look into the modes of human communication, and the relationships that are constructed, the authors propose a model for running successful, high-innovation environments for design in the socio-sphere. After developing a “first principles” understanding of human relational development, the authors construct protocols that take into account the inherent strengths and weaknesses of different human relational modes. In particular, the authors explore the effects of externally defined, non-empathetic relationships (group/culturally driven) and independently generated, trust-based empathetic relationships (individually motivated) and their effects on reliability and innovation in product design.

Understanding Engineering Relational and Knowledge Structures for Facilitation of Collaboration and Global Development

The theme of the ASME 2014 Congress has been stated as “Engineering for Global Development”, and emphasizes the need for engineering collaboration for facing the complex challenges extant in the developing world for critical infrastructure, clean water, and so on. Yet there exists little awareness of how to structure design communities to create the knowledge, and the design solutions, for developing countries or global problems. And there is not even a general theory on how to create such design communities that can effectively come to terms with the immense problems facing the globe, as population expands, CO2 in the atmosphere goes up, and the challenges presented by climate change come home to roost on basic human need.In this paper, the author presents an attempt at the creation of a neurogenic, empathy-based emergent model for creating such communities linking Clare Graves’ and Don Beck’s Spiral Dynamics, empathy development, and Conway’s Law. Coupled with work done previously by Andrew Kahneman, this paper will explain how to create larger design community structures based on empathetic development of design engineers, that will yield both the individuals, as well as the communities based on self-similar principles, that have the temporal and spatial awarenesses necessary to deal with these problems. Additionally, the author will discuss how such relational development will affect the physical structure of design solutions (such as concentrated, hierarchical, or distributed) by integrating this theory with Conway’s Law, which states that the structure of a given product will be a reflection of the organizational structure that created it.Copyright