techcentury A PUBLICATION OF THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF DETROIT
V.21 | N.1 SPRING 2016
The
TECHNOLOGY ISSUE
Michigan’s Brightest Students Present at the Future City Competition
16
Nanotech: Breaking Up Pollution, Giving Robots A Nose
20
Shaking Nanomaterials Out A New Method To Purify Water
21
IS EvERyThIng. Today, more than ever, global competition andNATION’S corporate streamlining GREEN BEST COLLEGES BEST COLLEGES BEST 2016
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BEST COLLEGES BEST COLLEGES GREEN computer ONLINE engineering to architecture and in the Midwest ONLINE PROGRAMS PROGRAMS in the Midwest COLLEGE COLLEGE Princeton
BEST GREEN NATION’S BEST NATION’S U.S. News & World Report®
information technology, Lawrence Technological University
U.S. News & Princeton World Report ®® Review
LTU ranks fifth among U.S. colleges and 2016 2016 universities for boosting graduates’ 16 20SCHOOLS 20126016 MILITARY 20162016 2016 BEST earning power. – Brookings Institution TOP 10% TOP 10% FRIENDLY Game Design BEST COLLEGESBEST AMERICA’S BEST COLLEGES BESTAMERICA’S NATIONALLY NATIONALLY C H O O L S Princeton UNIVERSITIES for Veterans forUNIVERSITIES Veterans Highest Alumni Highest Alumni G.I. Jobs® Review® 2016
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can prepare you for the careers of the future.
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6016 2012 AMERICA’S BEST COLLEGES BEST COLLEGESBEST 2016
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Architecture and Design | Arts and Sciences | Engineering | Management
Lawrence Technological University | Office of Admissions 21000 West Ten Mile Road, Southfield, MI 48075-1058 800.225.5588 | admissions@ltu.edu | www.ltu.edu
IN
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For the first time, a school from the Upper Peninsula participated in the ESD Michigan Regional Future City Competition. Congratulations to the students from North Star Academy, Marquette, who took home three special awards. See page 16.
techcentury A PUBLICATION OF THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF DETROIT
DEPARTMENTS
3 PUBLICATION NOTES 5 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 6 ESD CORPORATE MEMBERS 7 MEMBERS IN THE NEWS 8 IN MEMORIAM 9 ESD 2015 FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN 2016 5th N THE NATION10 MEMBER BENEFITS CIVIL ENGINEERING U.S. News & World Report® 11 UPCOMING EVENTS 14 CORPORATE MEMBER PROFILE 2016 16 FUTURE CITY 5th N THE NATION24 TONY LOTT: HOW TO TALK ABOUT CIVIL ENGINEERING U.S. News & World Report®
INHERITANCE
V.21
I N.1
Spring 2016 FEATURES
18 NANO: Hype, Yes, But Promise Too 19 Small Science, Big Impact: MSU researcher predicts major advances in energy efficiency, imaging from nanotech 20 Nanotech: Breaking Up Pollution, Giving Robots a Nose 21 Shaking Nanomaterials Out A New Method to Purify Water 22 Memistors: Making a New Generation for Digital Memory and Computation
BY ALLISON MILLS
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 1
WHO WILL PIONEER TECHNOLOGY THAT MAKES OUR WORLD MORE SECURE? SPARTANS WILL.
CONGRATULATIONS TO UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR ANIL JAIN ON HIS ELECTION AS A MEMBER OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF ENGINEERING. ANIL JAIN
UNIVERSITY DISTINGUISHED PROFESSOR OF COMPUTER SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING
Anil Jain, MSU University Distinguished Professor of computer science and engineering, is world renowned for his research in biometric recognition, computer vision and fingerprintmatching technology. His election to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to an engineer, recognizes his considerable contributions to engineering and the field of biometrics.
College of Engineering
techcentury V.21 I N.1 SPRING 2016
20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450 • Southfield, MI 48076 248–353–0735 • 248–353–0736 fax • esd@esd.org • www.esd.org
Technology Century Editorial Board
CHAIR: Thomas M. Doran, PE, FESD, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. (Retired) Nuha Alfahham Sandra Diorka, Delhi Charter Township Utpal Dutta, PhD, University of Detroit Mercy William A. Moylan, PhD, PMP, FESD, Eastern Michigan University Mark A. Nasr, Esq., Plunkett Cooney John G. Petty, FESD, General Dynamics (Retired) Matt Roush, The Engineering Society of Detroit Filza H. Walters, Lawrence Technological University Lynley M. Weston, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Turner Construction Co. Yang Zhao, PhD, Wayne State University
ESD Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Douglas E. Patton, FESD, DENSO International America, Inc. VICE PRESIDENT: Daniel E. Nicholson, General Motors Company TREASURER: Steven E. Kurmas, PE, FESD, DTE Energy SECRETARY: Robert Magee, The Engineering Society of Detroit IMM. PAST PRESIDENT: Kouhaila G. Hammer, CPA, Ghafari Associates, LLC MEMBERS AT LARGE: Larry Alexander, Detroit Metro Convention and Visitors Bureau
Katherine M. Banicki, FESD, Testing Engineers and Consultants Michael D. Bolon, FESD, General Dynamics Land Systems (Retired) Patrick J. Devlin, Michigan Building Trades Council Robert A. Ficano, JD, Wayne County Community College District Farshad Fotouhi, PhD, Wayne State University Lori Gatmaitan, SAE Foundation Malik Goodwin, Goodwin Management Group, LLC Susan S. Hawkins, FESD, Detroit Medical Center Alex F. Ivanikiw, AIA, LEED AP, Barton Malow Company Ali Jammoul, Ford Motor Company David C. Munson, Jr., PhD, FESD, University of Michigan Scott Penrod, Walbridge Bill Rotramel, AVL North America Kirk T. Steudle, PE, FESD, Michigan Department of Transportation Satish S. Udpa, PhD, FESD, Michigan State University William J. Vander Roest, PE, ZF TRW Lewis N. Walker, PhD, PE, FESD, Lawrence Technological University Rich Wells, The Dow Chemical Company Terry J. Woychowski, FESD, Link Engineering Co.
Technology Century Staff
PUBLISHER: Robert Magee, Executive Director CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Nick Mason, Director of Operations GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Keith Cabrera-Nguyen
Technology Century (ISSN 1091-4153 USPS 155-460) , also known as TechCentury, is published four times per year by The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD), 20700 Civic Center Drive, Suite 450, Southfield, MI 48076. Periodical postage paid at Southfield, MI, and at additional mailing offices. The authors, editors, and publisher will not accept any legal responsibility for any errors or omissions that may be made in this publication. The publisher makes no warranty, expressed or implied, with respect to the material contained herein. Advertisements in TechCentury for products, services, courses, and symposia are published with a caveat emptor (buyer beware) understanding. The authors, editors, and publisher do not imply endorsement of products, nor quality, validity or approval of the educational material offered by such advertisements. Subscriptions to TechCentury are available to nonmembers for $25 per year. ©2016 The Engineering Society of Detroit
Publication
NOTES Thomas M. Doran, PE, FESD Editorial Board Chair Retired, Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. “Michigan Nanotech” is the theme of this issue of TechCentury. I’m fascinated by the history of technological developments as well as by the technologies themselves. I learned that microscopic gold and silver nanoparticles produced vivid colors in the stained glass of medieval churches. Artist-craftsmen discovered that adding gold chloride to molten glass produced a red tint, and adding silver nitrate turned the glass yellow. How? Gold and silver nanoparticles reflected red and yellow light respectively. Nanotech as we define it today—the engineering of functional systems at a molecular scale— intentionally works from “the bottom up,” rather than inadvertently doing so. The renowned physicist, Richard P. Feynman, introduced the concepts that underlie nanotech in a 1959 talk called “There’s Plenty of Room at the Bottom.” Feynman addressed the problem of manipulating and controlling things at a small scale, saying: “Many…(biological) cells are very tiny, but they are very active…they do all kinds of marvelous things. Also, they store information. Consider the possibility that we too can make a thing very small, which does what we want—that we can manufacture an object that maneuvers at that level!” This issue of TechCentury identifies the amazing things we’re doing today, a half-century later. Feel free to share your thoughts, including interest in serving on ESD’s lively, inquisitive, congenial Editorial Board, with me at tdoran@hrc-engr.com www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 3
Great Academics Great Professional Engineering Programs Great American Engineering City: Detroit Great Outcomes We want great things for you. College of Engineering & Science udmercy.edu/engineering esgradprograms@udmercy.edu • 313-993-3378
ESD PRESIDENT MESSAGE
S
mall things are big business, as you’ll learn in this edition of TechCentury magazine. There are many potential applications for nanotechnologies, and many places where the technology is already being used. In both fluids and solids, nanotech can add unique mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The trick is in the application, finding the right material for that perfect application. At my employer, DENSO International America Inc., we are studying several applications—but really, we are just scratching the surface of the possibilities. We look forward to future development here in Michigan. And speaking of small things adding up to big efforts, I’d like to remind you that it’s always a good time to give just a bit of your time, talent or treasure to ESD. If you can help with our outreach for young people to consider STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education and careers —if you can participate in our upcoming events that support our profession, such as our upcoming golf outing or annual dinner—and, of course, if you can make a donation to your society—you’ll see relatively small things add up to big changes, and a big, bright future for engineering in Michigan. Sincerely,
Douglas E. Patton, FESD ESD President Executive Vice President & Chief Technical Officer, Engineering Division, DENSO International America, Inc.
5 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
THANK YOU TO ESD’S SUSTAINING AND CORPORATE MEMBER COMPANIES
ARCHITECTURE | ENGINEERING | CONSULTING
Ford Motor Company
AKT Peerless Environmental Services Altair Engineering American Axle Manufacturing American Center for Educational & Professional Services American Society of Employers Aristeo Construction AVL North America The Bartech Group Barton Malow Company Brightwing Central Michigan University Chrysan Industries Citizens Insurance Clark Hill, PLC CMS Enterprises Comfort Engineering Solutions, LLC Construction Association of Michigan Cornerstone Environmental Group, LLC CPCII Credit Union ONE CulturecliQ Danlaw, Inc. DASI Solutions DENSO International America, Inc. Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau Detroit Transportation Corporation Dow Chemical Company DTE Energy DTE Energy Gas Operations Dürr Systems, Inc. Eastern Michigan University Education Planning Resources, Inc. Electrical Resources Company Electro-Matic Products, Inc. Energy Sciences Experis Farbman Group Fiat Chrysler Automobiles Financial One, Inc. FirstMerit Bank Fishman Stewart Yamaguchi PLLC Ford Motor Company Fusion Welding Solutions
Gala & Associates, Inc. Gates Corporation GDH General Dynamics General Motors Company Gensler George W. Auch Company Ghafari Associates, LLC Glenn E. Wash & Associates, Inc. Golder Associates Inc. Gonzalez Contingent Workforce Services GZA GeoEnvironmental, Inc. Harley Ellis Devereaux Hartland Insurance Group, Inc. Hindsight Consulting, Inc. Hubbell, Roth & Clark, Inc. The Hunter Group LLC IBI Group Integrity Staffing Group, Inc. ITT Technical Institute Canton ITT Technical Institute Dearborn IBEW Local 58 & NECA LMCC Jervis B. Webb Company JNA Partners, Inc. Jozwiak Consulting, Inc. Kettering University Kitch Drutchas Wagner Valitutti & Sherbrook, PC Knovalent, Inc. Kolene Corporation Kostal North America Kugler Maag CIE North America Lawrence Technological University LHP Software Limbach Company, Inc. Link Engineering Co. LTI Information Technology Macomb Community College Maner, Costerisan & Ellis, PC Makino McNaughton-McKay Electric Company MICCO Construction Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters Michigan State University
Michigan Technological University Midwest Steel Inc. Monroe Environmental Corporation Myron Zucker, Inc. Neumann/Smith Architecture Newman Consulting Group, LLC NORR Architects Engineers Planners Northern Industrial Manufacturing Corp. NTH Consultants, Ltd. O’Brien and Gere Oakland University Optech LLC Orbitak International, LLC Original Equipment Suppliers Association Pure Eco Environmental Solutions R.L. Coolsaet Construction Co. ROWE Professional Services Company Rumford Industrial Group Ruby+Associates, Inc. SEGULA Technologies Saginaw Valley State University Special Multi Services Talascend, LLC Testing Engineers & Consultants Thermal-Netics TRANE Commercial Systems Troy Chamber of Commerce Trialon TRW Automotive Turner Construction Co. UBS Financial Services - Sheth Farber Group Universal Weatherstrip & Bldg. Supply University of Detroit Mercy University of Michigan University of Michigan-Dearborn US Farathane Corporation voxeljet America Inc. Wade-Trim Walbridge Walker-Miller Energy Services, LLC Wayne State University Western Michigan University Whitehall Industries
MEMBERS IN THE NEWS
Steve Freed
Matt Lentini
Jon Woodsum
Gene Gardella
Barton Malow, the Southfield-based construction services provider, announced promotions of three key leaders to vice president—Steve Freed, Matt Lentini and Jon Woodsum. Freed joined Barton Malow in 2005 and has more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry. He will focus on leading Barton Malow’s Risk Review program. Lentini began his career with Barton Malow in 1998 and has 20 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career as a millwright with Local Equipment 1102. As an officer, Matt will continue to focus on key client programs as well as build new relationships with clients in the automotive and installation markets. Woodsum was promoted from director to vice president of systems. In his new role, Jon will continue to lead systems and will be charged with expanding Barton Malow’s focus on the development and application of new technologies. Barton Malow also announced that Gene Gardella had joined the firm as a director, where he will focus on developing relationships and projects in the energy and industrial markets. He has a bachelor of science in civil engineering from Michigan State University, is a registered professional engineer and holds a LEED AP certification. Hubbell, Roth & Clark Inc. has been awarded a 2015 Top Workplaces honor by the Detroit Free Press. Several aspects of workplace culture were measured, including alignment, execution, and connection. HRC is an Engineering News Record Top 500 Design Firm whose work has been recognized by prestigious industry awards. HRC has offices in Bloomfield Hills, Grand Rapids, Howell, Detroit, and Delhi, Michigan. Pontiac-based George W. Auch Co., a general contractor and construction manager, has also been awarded a 2015 Top Workplaces honor by the Detroit Free Press. This is the second year in a row Auch has been the only construction company to place in the Top 100. Auch, founded in 1908, has provided planning, pre-construction and construction services in southeast Michigan for 107 years. Auch’s most recent projects include the new Masco headquarters in Livonia, and the M1-Concourse, Pontiac.
Mike Neville
James Zwelensky
David A. Lomas
Mike Neville, executive vice president of Dearborn-based Ghafari Associates LLC, has been sworn in as 2016 president of the American Institute of Architects Michigan chapter. With more than 30 years of architectural, engineering and project management experience, Neville is currently responsible for corporate operations, client interface and sales at Ghafari. One of his top priorities for the year is to provide new professionals with more opportunities to develop their careers and to connect with industry leaders for additional counsel. Harley Ellis Devereaux announced that James Zwolensky, AIA, LEED AP, has joined the firm as Associate, Studio Leader, Higher Education Design Studio. Based in HED’s Southfield office, Zwolensky will lead all aspects of the firm’s Higher Education Studio in the Detroit area. Zwolensvky has worked on a number of key higher education projects across the nation, including a New Performing Arts Center at Grand Valley State and the Life Sciences Institute at the University of Michigan. Prior to joining HED, Zwolensky most recently served as Senior Project Manager in Higher Education at Stantec. NTH Consultants Ltd. would like to congratulate David A. Lomas, P.E., QEP, D.WRE on his latest accomplishment, becoming a Certified Project Management Professional. The PMP recognizes the competence of an individual to perform in the role of a project manager, specifically experience in leading and directing.
Support Your Profession: Join the ESD Legacy Society To become a member of the ESD Legacy Society, simply include ESD in your estate planning and let us know. Please contact Heather Lilley at 248-353-0735, ext. 120, or hlilley@esd.org, for more information.
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 7
IN MEMORIAM
With deep gratitude for their participation and service, The Engineering Society of Detroit acknowledges the passing of the following members.
John Benjamin Colletti, FESD
Retired/Director of Engineering, TRW Member of the College of Fellows Member of the Senior Engineers Council, Member since 1976
Upcoming Training in Troy, MI • Functional Safety (ISO 26262): TUV Automotive: May, 2nd-5th and Nov, 14th-17th • Auto SPICE® Provisional Assessor: Sep, 19th-23rd
Chester A. Kus, PE
Consultant, Kus Counseling & Consulting Retired/Detroit Edison Co. Member of Toastmasters Int’l, Member since 1956
John A. Manoogian
Register at www.kuglermaag.com/training
Retired/Director Alpha Division, Ford Motor Co. Member since 1968
Adding value in the long term.
Everett Trudell
People. Performance. Processes
Retired/Fixture Estimator, Chrysler Corp. Member since 2004
Dale Hubert Youngpeter, PE
.
Agile Development
Retired/Staff Project Engineer, General Motors Worked for Navistar and Wabco Member since 1980
Automotive SPICE® Functional Safety (ISO 26262)
ESD.indd 1
23.02.2016 16:39:21
October 16 - 17
Experts from across the globe
Best Practices
Emerging Trends
Thought Leaders
Detroit, MI
HOSTED BY MICHIGAN GOVERNOR RICK SNYDER
8 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
www.michigan.gov/cybersecurity
THANK YOU
to those individuals who donated to the 2015 Annual Fundraising Campaign and throughout the year, whether through annual pledges or donations that augment membership dues. Together, we raised over $30,000, which is being used activities like establishing college student chapters, outreach to middle and high school students, and scholarships to future engineers. By all of us working together, we are keeping Michigan #1 in engineering.
$2,000+ INVENTION LEVEL
$150+ DONORS
UAW-Ford National Programs Center—on behalf of Bill Dirksen and Jimmy Settles Larry Alexander
Malik R. Goodwin Susan S. Hawkins, FESD Marty Hogan Reno J. Maccardini Ryan Maibach Parikshita Nayak, PhD, PE David E. Pamula, PE Robert Victor Petrach Jr., CMfgE Roger L. Shoemaker Richard C. Viinikainen, PE Whitehall Industries
$1,000+ CREATION LEVEL John Banicki, PE, FESD, and Mrs. Katherine M. Banicki, FESD / Testing Engineers & Consultants Steven E. Kurmas, PE, FESD Edward C. Levy, Jr. Roy H. Link, FESD/Link Engineering Co. William A. Moylan, Jr., PhD, PMP, FESD— in honor of Dr. Richard Marburger The Dan and Robin Nicholson Charitable Fund Raymond Okonski—in memory of Suzanne Marie Sloat John G. Petty, FESD Terry J. Woychowski, FESD
$500+ DONORS Ronald F. Buck Susan M. Cischke, FESD Patrick Devlin Thomas M. Doran, PE, FESD David Hagen, FESD Kouhaila Hammer, CPA Tricia Huneke John Inscho David C. Munson Jr., PhD, FESD Douglas E. Patton, FESD / Denso International America, Inc. Lloyd E. Reuss, FESD Robert Richard—in memory of Philip Richard Michael Ryan Satish S. Udpa, PhD, FESD Kurt M Wiese
$250+ DONORS James A. Anderson, PE, FESD Michael A. Aznavorian Jeffery J. Borowicz Robert R. Byrom Shannon M. Dobreff Adam Link Craig R. Love Robert Magee William Rotramel Donald J. Smolenski, PhD, PE, FESD Dr. & Mrs. Lewis N. Walker, PhD, PE, FESD Filza Walters, FESD—in honor of Dr. Richard Marburger
$75+ DONORS Anonymous Stanley A. Beattie, PE William T. Birge, PE,FESD Michael D. Bolon, FESD David T. Bozek Denise Carlson Loris J. Charchian, PE Edward Ciotti, AIA Tracy M. Clark David Edward Cole IV, PhD, FESD Steven Cook Bridgette Cramton Larry Crittenden James DeDyne Utpal Dutta, PhD, PE John F. Edwards, PE Richard Darin Ellis, PhD Cindy Estrada Frank J. Ewasyshyn, Peng. Hon. Robert A. Ficano, JD Lori Gatmaitan E. E. Hagenlocker, PhD, FESD Mark Hairston William C Hayes John Hill Victor J. Hurych Laura Jacobs Richard P. Kughn Gary Kuleck Eric A. Lewis Harry A. Lomason II Jack Mumma Lawrence J. Oswald, PhD Karl Plattenberger Russel Pogats June Rutledge Myron T. Schiller, PE Thomas Schreitmueller Paul Allen Simpson Douglas W. Smith Donald R. Spivack, AICP Kirk T. Steudle, PE, FESD Lewis H. Tann
Donald J. Treder Mumtaz A. Usmen, PhD, PE, FESD— in memory of Dr. Ralph Kummler Robert P. Washer, FESD
UP TO $75 DONORS Anonymous—in memory of David Skiven Anonymous Anonymous Mo Abraham Arthur Applegate William L. Baldner Cynthia Bandy Patrick Bassett James L. Bertram Richard A. Bither, PE Alvin F. Blair, AIA,FESD Don C. Bramlett, PE, SMIEEE, FESD, FM Peng Brooks John S. Browning III, PE Donald J. Collom Thomas F. Cranston Stephen R. Davis, PhD, FESD Kevin De Keyser Thomas J. DeLaura, PE Hon. Christopher Dingell, J.D., PE, FESD Patrick R. Dwyer F. Michael Faubert, PhD, PE,FESD Mitchell J. Fedorowski Donald E. Goodwin, FESD Jesse F. Goodwin, PhD Yong Ping Gu, PhD Leo R. Hagan David L. Head John C. Hibbler James C. Hobson, PE August J. Hofweber Homer Ronald Howell George P. Karidis James Hall Kent Raymond A. Kobe, PE Douglas W. Komer James Kosniewski Janet Kuklik Andris Lacis Alicia Lane Lydia B. Lazurenko, PE,FESD Thomas B. Locke, PE Harvey Lyons, PhD, PE Anna Maria Marchel Richard W. Marks, PE Tito R. Marzotto, PE, FESD Michael R. McCarty Russell E. McLogan, PE John B. McWilliams Manish Mehta, PhD, FESD Ihor Melnykowycz
Robert L. Merriman Lawrence C. Mick, Jr. Duane F. Moryc Lounzie Moss, Jr. William J. Moylan Thomas A. Musselman, PE Charles P. Neff Phares A. Noel II, PhD, PE Patricia O’Brien Novak, PE James C. O’Rourke Susan M. Ostrowski, MA, PE, FESD Wie-Hin Pan, PhD Michael Paniagua Robert Pawlowicz Carl Pearson Carlos A. Pertusi Gene Pittenger Robert T. Quail Bernard S. Quell Nassif Rayess, PhD John Harold Redfield Frank N. Rizzo Hugh Ross, PE James W. Rush Richard E. Rutzv Pranab Saha, PhD, PE, INCE Bd Cert, FESD Peter F. Salamon, PE Herb Seubert Thomas R. Shay Michael Shesterkin Walter Sobczak Gerald Solak Charles J. Squires Donald Stokes Leonard Charles Suchyta Gerald Swietlicki Larry Tessari Godfrey A. Udoji, PE Don Walkowicz Nawras Wardia Anthony J. Widenman III Gary G. Witt, FASM Raymond M. Womack Thomas J. P. Wysocki Christopher Zavicar
Donations listed represent annual fundraising campaign gifts, pledges, and donations given with dues. They do not include sponsorships or other giving. Every effort has been made to provide an accurate list of donors. If there are any errors or omissions please contact Nick Mason at nmason@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 127.
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 9
MEMBER BENEFITS
Let the ESD Job Bank do the work for you. The ESD Job Bank offers over 25,000 resumes. All resumes are fully searchable by years of experience, degree, salary, willing to re-locate, and more. With 30-day job posting, employers have access to all resusmes in the database.
ESD is offering a 20% discount for job postings during the month of April and May. Employers, the ESD Job Bank is easy to use, sign up today by visiting jobs.esd.org. Use promo code UAHGPC76 at check-out to receive your 20% discount during the month of April and May. Contact Heather Lilley at 248-353-0735, ext. 120, or hlilley@esd.org.
CONNECTING THE BEST
Find the perfect match at jobs.esd.org
Gap Coverage Insurance Life Disability Health Insurance Retirement Savings Many employer provided employee benefit packages have SIGNIFICANT gaps in coverage that you are not aware of. To obtain our FREE report email: bkaufman@hartlandinsurancegroup.com or call Bruce directly at 313-549-1880.
ESD MEETING ROOMS
Looking for the best engineering candidates in 2016?
The Ideal Place for Your Meeting or Event space for rent, seven days a week. Groups of 5 to 100 Convenient location in Southfield Ample free parking Wireless Internet and AV equipment Outside catering permitted
For more information, contact ext. 222 or msheridan@esd.org. 10窶ポ窶サechCentury窶ポ窶ゴpring 2016
UPCOMING EVENTS CONFERENCES
JOB FAIR
Engineering and Technology Job Fair
Global Project 26th Annual Solid Waste Management Competence Technical Conference Conference: Learn How to Monday, April 18, 2016 Optional Training Day – Tuesday, Manage the Challenges April 19, 2016 of Synchronizing Sponsored by The Engineering Global Projects
Monday, May 9, 2016
Wednesday & Thursday, April 13 & 14, 2016
Maybe you’re a seasoned professional looking for that next great opportunity, the capstone of your career. Maybe you’re a college student seeking that first great internship that’ll send you on your way. No matter where you are in your engineering, IT, scientific or skilled trades journey, The Engineering Society of Detroit’s Job Fair is for you. Known for being the premier recruitment event, the job fair will feature more than 50 of Michigan’s top companies hiring for full or part-time positions, internships or co-op opportunities. ADDED BONUS: Upload your resume into the ESD Job Bank, jobs. esd.org, free of charge. The Job Bank provides confidential resume posting and is easy to use. The job fair will be held at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi, from 2 – 7 p.m. Cost to attend: FREE for ESD members; $15 for non-members if registered by April 28; $20 thereafter. For more information or to register online, visit www.esd.org, or call 248-353-0735 to register by phone. Interested in exhibiting? Contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
Presented by Orbitak International, The Engineering Society of Detroit is an endorsing sponsor of the two-day conference Global Project Management Competence. Orbitak has brought together a panel of internationally noted speakers and experts from business, project management and education to help companies optimize productivity with their global projects. Project managers, managers and others who lead global or international projects are invited to attend. Attendees will learn about the challenges of globalized project management, project and portfolio management competencies, qualification and certification, and innovative approaches and successful solutions to complex projects. The conference will take place at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield For more information or to register, visit www. esd.org.
Society of Detroit and the Michigan Waste and Recycling Association, this one-day conference is designed to educate attendees on emerging technologies and regulatory changes that affect the solid waste industry. It will bring together national experts to present on issues at the forefront of solid waste management. The conference will take place at the Kellogg Hotel & Conference Center in East Lansing. An optional post-conference training day designed to provide practical guidance and hands-on demonstrations will be offered on April 19. Cost to attend conference: $180 for ESD and MWRA members; $220 non-members; $100 Government/MDEQ. Cost to attend the postconference training day: $230 for ESD and MWRA members; $305 non-members; $100 Government/MDEQ. For more information or to register to attend, visit www.esd.org or call 248-353-0735 to register by phone. Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting? Contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 11
UPCOMING EVENTS VOLUNTEERS WANTED
Judges Needed for Engineering SMArT Michigan Competition May 18, 2016 The Engineering SMArT Michigan Competition provides high school students with a taste of real-world engineering opportunities through a hands-on project experience. The program enables students to address critical energy and environmental challenges realized in their local communities, and will cultivate their desire to be active contributors to the sustainability and vitality of their environment. Judges are needed on competition day, Wednesday, May 18, at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield. High school students have designed an energy efficient home and will be presenting their ideas and design drawings at the competition. To volunteer as a judge, contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152.
The Engineering SMArT Michigan Competition provides high school students with a taste of real-world engineering opportunities through a hands-on project experience. 12 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
CLASSES
PE Continuing Education Classes ESD provides professional engineers in Michigan with opportunities to meet continuing education requirements. Current PE’s can take ESD review course classes on a à la carte basis to satisfy state requirements. The instructor led three and four hour classes are taught by academic and industry professionals. All courses are held on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at ESD Headquarters in Southfield. Visit www.esd.org for more details and the complete course schedule or call 249-353-0735.
SAVE THE DATE
ESD 5th Annual Golf Outing A Day of Fun and Networking in Support of Engineering Monday, June 6, 2016 The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) is all about supporting engineering and technical professionals. So is this outing. Outing proceeds help support endeavors like educational and scholarship programs and creating ESD Student Chapters at each of Michigan’s top 25 engineering schools.
Professional Engineer Licensing Review Courses Since 1941, The Engineering Society of Detroit has successfully prepared thousands of candidates for the State licensing exam in a variety of disciplines. You’ll lean in a small classroom-like setting from instructors who have first-hand knowledge of the course material. FE Review Course Tuesdays, Thursdays, and some Saturdays, August 16 - October 20, 2016 PE (Part II) Review Course Saturdays, August 27 October 8, 2016 (no class on September 3, Labor Day week-end) Courses offered: Civil, Electrical, Environmental and Mechanical. For more information on the review courses or to register, visit www.esd.org or contact Fran Mahoney at fmahoney@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 116. Michigan requires applicants to be pre-approved to sit for the PE Exam. The deadline to apply is July 15, 2016 for the October 28, 2016 exam. Visit www.esd.org for more information.
ESD’s golf outing is held in memory of David A. Skiven, PE, in honor of his deep commitment to ESD and its mission. Golfers— register early as this popular event sold out last year. Don’t miss a day of fun and networking while supporting this generation of engineers and fostering the next! Registration cost: $250 individuals; $165 senior individuals; $900 foursome; $75 dinner only. The golf outing will take place at Oak Pointe Country Club in Brighton. For more information, to register or for sponsorship opportunities, visit www.esd.org or contact Mary Sheridan at msheridan@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 222.
HOSTED BY DTE ENERGY AND THE ENGINEERING SOCIETY OF DETROIT
ENERGY CONFERENCE & EXHIBITION 2016
EXHIBIT OR ATTEND!
ENERGY EFFICIENCY May 3, 2016
46100 Grand River Novi, Michigan
In its 19TH year, this conference, the only one of its kind in Michigan, is designed to educate small to large commercial and industrial businesses on energy technology, products, and services that will assist them in successful energy management.
This year’s conference will include: • Luncheon will feature a panel presentation focusing on Michigan made advanced lighting and controls • Educational tracks—technology, industrial, commercial and financial—offering informative 30-minute presentations • Dozens of exhibitors offering energy–related products and services • Major awards recognizing energy efficiency initiatives • A Ride and Drive featuring a fleet of new vehicles, as well as classic cars Cost to Attend: $85 ESD Member $100 Non-Member $154 Non-Member—attend and join ESD at a discounted rate! (This offer is available to new, first-time members only.) Visit www.esd.org for more information and to register, or call 248-353-0735.
Exhibitor and sponsorship opportunities are available. Contact Leslie Smith, CMP, at lsmith@esd.org or 248-353-0735, ext. 152 for more information.
NEW CORPORATE MEMBER PROFILE CULTURECLIQ. Competition for top talent has never been fiercer. The cost of a hiring mistake has never been higher. And increasingly, cultural fit is becoming just as important to employers and employees as skills. Enter CulturecliQ, a company established last year by a 20-year veteran of human resources, which finds not only the right skill set, but the right corporate culture for employees and employers. “There’s a limited pool of quality candidates nationwide, and Michigan is no different,” said CulturecliQ founder and president Colleen Albright. “Workplace preferences are changing as the economy evolves, and it’s so important to find an employee that matches an employer’s culture.” CulturecliQ accomplishes that matchup by having employers and jobseekers fill out a questionnaire listing 30 cultural descriptors—things like how wellness-oriented an employer is, how global their business is, the employer’s culture regarding risk-taking. Employers are asked how accurate those characteristics are to their workplace. Potential employees are asked how important those characteristics are to their happiness on the job. A proprietary CulturecliQ algorithm matches the two. The reaction of the marketplace to this idea, Albright said, “has been fantastic. We attract candidates by attending job fairs, utilizing TV, radio, billboards and social media. We are currently acquiring up to 10 new candidates a day and are seeing that average number grow. We expect to have over 5000 candidates by the end of Q1 2016.” For more information on how your business can use culture as a competitive differentiator—or on how you, as a potential employee, can find a work culture that’s a great fit—visit www.culturecliq.com. 14 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
SEGULA TECHONOLOGIES.. SEGULA Technologies is an engineering group with a global presence, helping boost competitiveness within all of the major industrial sectors: automotive, aeronautics, energy, rail, naval, pharmaceutical and petrochemical. Present in 22 countries, with its 80
offices worldwide, the Group fosters a close relationship with its customers thanks to the expertise of its 8,500 employees. A leading engineering specialist placing innovation at the heart of its strategy, SEGULA Technologies conducts largescale projects, ranging from studies to industrialisation and production. For more information, visit: www.segulatechnologies.com.
17025 accredited, and its technical staffing operation is ISO-9002 registered. Its customers include the world’s leading high-tech manufacturing firms. The company currently has opportunities for a wide variety of engineers and technicians, including electrical and mechanical engineers, research and development staff, and a wide variety of other technical and analytical opportunities, including embedded software applications and development tools. Browne says the company prides itself on a true partnership with its customers, because “there’s almost always more than one way to provide service to our clients. We see efficiencies, and we understand their problems.”
TRIALON CORPORATION. Keith Browne calls Trialon Corp. “a family owned atmosphere with a big-budget attitude.” The company, founded in 1982 as a technical staffing firm, has moved outside its automotive roots into the aerospace, military, renewable energy, telecommunications and medical markets—and offers product testing and validation as well. Trialon, based in Burton, is just shy of 800 employees overall. Its technical staffing division, which Browne directs, has about 150 employees. Trialon has customers around the globe, served from six engineering laboratories and technical staffing For more information, offices in Michigan and Indiana. Its visit www.trialon.com. engineering laboratories are ISO/IEC kbrowne@trialon.com.
NEW CORPORATE MEMBER PROFILE
AVL. Plymouth-based AVL North America is part of a worldwide company based in Graz, Austria that is the world’s largest independent company for the development, simulation and testing of powertrains. Nearly 600 professionals work for AVL North America, testing and developing internal combustion, hybrid and electric engines and motors, as well as transmissions, batteries and other powertrain components. The powertrains aren’t just used in cars and trucks—they’re used in everything from power generation to trains to giant cargo ships. AVL was founded in 1948 as a powertrain engineering company, and then expanded into engine instrument and test systems for manufacturers that do their own engine and powertrain testing. Its test equipment is used by a wide variety of automakers and other companies. More recently, the company has established a division developing advanced simulation technology -- testing powertrains in the virtual world before even prototypes are built. That technology is dramatically cutting the cost and time of powertrain development. AVL North America was established in the early 1990s and moved to Plymouth in 1996. AVL is currently seeking project engineers, technical specialists and service engineers for Plymouth and elsewhere in its worldwide operations. To learn more, visit www.avl.com/open-jobs.
DASI SOLUTIONS. DASI Solutions is dedicated to service and support, offering SolidWorks 3D CAD engineering software, as well as training and partner products. DASI is passionate in playing an active role in the engineering community, continuing to build partnerships and success stories with commercial and educational customers. With an award winning team, DASI continues to expand their market share with customers desiring a more engaging and interactive experience. DASI assists emerging sector companies in the implementation of CAD, CAE and PDM collaborative technologies used by the designing engineer. They have authorized sales, training and technical support facilities throughout the Great Lakes region. Specializing in CAD, CAM, and PDM, DASI offers the complete solution for engineering and product design in order to bring better products to market. Their core product offerings include the suite of SOLIDWORKS software tools that help companies compete more effectively. For more information, visit www. dasisolutions.com.
ORBITAK. The Bingham Farms office of Orbitak International was founded in 2006 as an affiliate of Germany’s Orbitak AG. The company provides management consulting and operational services in quality development, project management and product development. Its client list includes manufacturers like Volkswagen, Siemens, Federal Mogul, Hella, Kostal, VDI (German Society of Engineers) and others, along with service providers and government-affiliated organizations like the Michigan Economic Development Corp. Its consultants provide mentorship, coaching and much more to the company’s clients. The Orbitak team has long experience and competence in everything from manufacturing and education to IT and logistics. The company is also hosting and facilitating “GPMC 2016: The Globalized Project Management Competence conference” April 13 and 14 at Lawrence Technological University in Southfield. The event will address the challenges of globalized project management, educational competencies and certification, and will discuss innovative approaches and successful solutions to complex projects. For more information, visit www.orbitak-international.com.
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 15
2016 ESD Michigan Regional Future City Competition Michigan’s Brightest 6th, 7th and 8th Graders Present Their Solutions for Solid Waste Management of the Future
Designing an innovative citywide solid waste management system for a city of the future that is safe, environmentally sound, and energy efficient was the challenge taken on by over 450 Michigan middle school students this year...
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umans create a lot of trash. Every day nearly 4.3 pounds of trash is generated by each of the nearly 320 million citizens of the United States. That makes solid waste management one of the most important health, safety, and environmental services a city provides for its residents. Designing an innovative citywide solid waste management system for a city of the future that is safe, environmentally sound, and energy efficient was the challenge taken on by over 450 Michigan middle school students this year as they competed in the Michigan Future City Competition on January 25, 2016, at the Suburban Collection Showplace in Novi. The annual competition, organized by The Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD) since 1996, gives students the opportunity to imagine, research, design, and build cities of the future that showcase 16 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
1st Place - St. John Lutheran School, Rochester
their solution to a citywide sustainability issue. This year was particularly memorable because for the first time ever there was a team that traveled from Marquette to compete. Marquette’s North Star Academy took home three special awards. In the end, St. John Lutheran School of Rochester took first place for the sixth year in a row. Crescent Academy International of Canton took second place; St. Valentine School of Redford took third place. Fourth place went to Grand Blanc West Middle School, and a rookie team from Woodhaven, Patrick Henry Middle School, took fifth place. St. John Lutheran went on to compete at the Future City National Finals in Washington, DC, on February 16, 2016, and took third place winning a $2,000 scholarship for its STEM program, sponsored by IEEE-USA. They also won special awards for Best
Use of Innovative Construction Materials and Techniques, and Best SimCity Design. ESD organizes the Michigan regional competition, recruiting over 125 engineers and technical professionals to serve as team mentors and judges. Funding for the competition this year was provided in part by the DTE Energy Foundation and the Ford Motor Company Fund, along with financial support from 24 companies and organizations which provided special award sponsorships. To see all the winners and the photo gallery, visit www.esd.org.
ESD organizes the Michigan regional competition, recruiting over 125 engineers and technical professionals to serve as team mentors and judges.
The Engineering Society of Detroit Michigan Regional
THANK YOU SPONSORS 2nd Place - Crescent Academy International, Canton
E AST M ICHIGAN C HAPTER
3rd Place - St. Valentine School, Redford DETROIT CHAPTER
4th Place - Grand Blanc West Middle School, Grand Blanc
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 17
5th Place - Patrick Henry Middle School, Woodhaven
Hype, Yes, But Promise Too By Matt Roush
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anotechnology is nothing new, according to nanotechnology expert John Texter, PhD.. “The Chinese invented nanocarbon inks 3,500 years ago,” said Texter, a professor of polymers and coatings at Eastern Michigan University. “They invented a combustion process for making carbon black that’s still used today.” Later, Texter said, nanoparticles became a part of making rubber tires tougher and more durable, not long after the dawn of the automotive age in the 20th century. True, nanotech got a ton of hype in the 1990s. Here in Michigan, a fellow named Rick Snyder returned to his home state in 1997, after a stint as an executive at computer maker Gateway, and set up two venture capital funds—the second of which, Ardesta, would concentrate on nanotech. Snyder also set up a magazine and website, called Small Times, to cover and promote the nanotech industry. These days, according to Texter, nanotech can be found almost everywhere. “Nanotech is just a hype word, but just about everyone can find a nanotech example that relates to them,” Texter said. Even humble latex paint. What makes latex paint superior to the oil-based variety is tiny particles of polymer—200 nanometers in size—suspended in water. When 18 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
the paint dries, the particles bind the pigments and other materials together, making the paint film stronger and longer-lasting. Of course, Texter is also quick to note that the field of nanotechnology has seen huge advances in the past couple of decades. Today, he’s working with materials whose properties can seem alarmingly close to magic. He can make coatings that switch from porous to impervious to water. Or that switch from transparent to opaque in the presence of a certain kind of chemical. Or that conduct electricity without water or wires. Texter’s laboratory is also working on nanotech coatings that confer resistance to the effects of ultraviolet light in a thin, transparent layer. Other coatings can be designed to resist corrosion, icing, and microbial contamination —again, in very thin layers of a near-transparent material. Oher applications include nanoparticles that give strong scratch resistance to digital media like CDs and automotive paints, and nanosized platelets that provide transparent gas barrier coatings in plastic bottles that keep carbonated beverages from going flat. “Many new nanotechnologies with useful applications in consumer and industrial products and in medicine are coming,” Texter said.
Texter was born in Pennsylvania and got his degrees–a bachelor of science in electrical engineering, a master’s in chemistry, a second master’s in mathematics, and a PhD in chemistry—from Lehigh University. After postdoctoral studies at the University of California at Irvine and the State University of New York at Binghamton, he worked for 20 years at Eastman Kodak, 1978-98, developing advanced coatings for films and papers. He would later run his own consulting/education company, Strider Research Corporation, before joining EMU’s faculty as a full professor in 2002. He holds more than 40 United States patents and numerous service and research awards. Matt Roush was Director of Communications and Public Relations for The Engineering Society of Detroit from March 2014 to February 2016. He is now Director of Media Relations and managing editor of the news bureau at Lawrence Technological University.
Small Science, Big Impact
MSU researcher predicts major advances in energy efficiency, imaging from nanotech By Matt Roush
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r. Rebecca Anthony wants to make very small things have very big consequences. Anthony, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Michigan State University, has coupled her fascination with nanotechnology with her passion for making energy use more efficient, and to enable people in developing countries to have access to the advantages of electricity. Anthony is a Maryland native who studied physics at Carleton College in Minnesota. But while an undergrad, she got into a summer program at Pennsylvania State University that included studies of carbon nanotubes—tubular cylinders of carbon atoms that can have extraordinary electrical, mechanical and optical properties. “I had never thought about looking at matter at such a tiny
scale, and I got very excited about it,” she recalled. “When I looked at graduate work, I knew I wanted to do engineering and applied science rather than basic science, but I wanted to couple my interest in nanoscience wtih a long-reaching goal and overarching objective of working in energy technology. I want to work on new, alternative forms of energy and devices.” Anthony’s academic career continued from Carleton to a Ph.D. program at the University of Minnesota, where she worked with an adviser on making silicon nanocrystals. “What’s interesting about them is that they glow when you apply an electric current or expose them to ultraviolet light,” Anthony said. “You can use them as illuminating devices, as well as in solar technology.” Now, she’s working on a novel gas-based technology to make those nanocrystals. “It’s less time-consuming, less costly, and uses less solvent,” she said. “It’s fast and scalable. We’re doing it on a bench scale now, but it is quite easy to parallel my reactors so you could do this at a larger scale.” In fact, a California company called Innovalight Inc. licensed the technology to make a “silicon ink” to make solar panels more efficient. The company was acquired by DuPont in 2011. Anthony is also researching making “anisotropic” nanocrystals— crystals that aren’t quite even in shape, and have different properties at different orientations. (The easiest way to think of something anisotropic is wood, which is stronger against its grain than with it.) She said the crystals could have
applications to make stretchable and flexible video displays that are more efficient than today’s LED screens. They also have possible applications in thin film flexible solar technologies and could be used to improve the performance of lithium-ion batteries. Other possible applications could include improvements in medical imaging technology. “Water absorbs a lot of light in the visible spectrum, so if you want to do imaging in cells you’re looking for wavelengths that are not absorbed by water, so you can get a bright, clear image,” she said. “So people are working on novel methods to suspend these nanocrystals in liquids, similar to biological settings, that could improve cancer detection and medical imaging.” Anthony predicted that nanotech will soon lead to improvements in imaging, everything from smartphones to TVs, as nanocrystals that can be tuned to specific colors of light are generated, and less-expensive manufacturing processes that can easily and quickly lay them down on a flexible film are developed. Overall, Anthony said, “nanotech and nanoscience and nanoengineering is found in so many parts of engineering. Ten or 20 years ago, it was this new thing, but as we expand our knowledge, we’ve found that all kinds of matter can be broken down to that scale. And we’re discovering that changes at the tiny level can cause huge changes in how things operate at the macro level.” Matt Roush was Director of Communications and Public Relations for The Engineering Society of Detroit from March 2014 to February 2016. He is now Director of Media Relations and managing editor of the news bureau at Lawrence Technological University.
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 19
Nanotech: Breaking Up Pollution, Giving J Robots A Nose
By Matt Roush
20 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
unghoon Yeom says we use small tech every day. What was the frontier of science 20 years ago—micro-electro-mechanical systems, or MEMS—is now at work everywhere you look. The automatic pressure sensors in your tires? MEMS. The accelerometers in your smartphone that lets you use it to control video games and drones? MEMS. The deployment mechanism in your car’s airbags. Yeah, you guessed it. So Yeom, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Michigan State University, says he’s setting his sights these days on technologies that are even smaller, nanoscale stuff, that “opens up new possibilities and provides fascinating properties in physical, electrical and chemical properties.” Today, Yeom is working on platforms that assemble nanomaterials and let them react to things at the millimeter scale of everyday products. Yeom is researching on materials like silicon nanowires and high-band-gap metal oxide nanostructures that can use their properties to decompose toxins and other undesired materials in water, simply by exposing them to sunlight. “Wastewater treatment has been done the same way for generations,” Yeom said. “Mostly you are using sedimentation—heavy stuff falls— and then you use a membrane
to filter out the rest of what you don’t want. It works, but the costs can be high. Also, some materials developed more recently, like small molecule pharmaceuticals, can’t be filtered by membranes.” Yeom is harnessing the properties of nanomaterials to break those toxins apart and render them harmless. Yeom is also working on giving drones and robots a “sense of smell” through a micro gas chromatography system. That could add an extra layer of utility to agricultural drones, since they could sniff out where pesticides and fertilizers have been applied too heavily or not heavily enough in farm fields. They could also be used to check for disease outbreaks or help the military scout for chemical or biological weapon use in an area. Yeom won the Alan Berman Annual Research Publications Award from the United States Naval Research Laboratory in 2014. He has also received two MSU research grants and holds two United States patents. He joined the mechanical engineering faculty in August 2013. He received a bachelor’s degree at Yonsei University in Korea, and earned master’s and PhD degrees in mechanical engineering at the University of Illinois. Matt Roush was Director of Communications and Public Relations for The Engineering Society of Detroit from March 2014 to February 2016. He is now Director of Media Relations and managing editor of the news bureau at Lawrence Technological University.
Shaking Nanomaterials Out A New Method To Purify Water
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ano implies small, and that’s great for some applications in medical devices, beauty products and smartphones—but it’s also a problem. Because the tiny nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes and other nanomaterials that make up our technology eventually find their way into water. The Environmental Protection Agency says more 1,300 commercial products use some kind of nanomaterial. And we just don’t know the full impact on health and the environment.
“Look at plastic,” says Yoke Khin Yap, a professor of physics at Michigan Technological University. “These materials changed the world over the past decades — but can we clean up all the plastic in the ocean? We struggle to clean up meter-scale plastics, so what happens when we need to clean on the nano-scale?” That challenge is the focus of a new study co-authored by Yap, recently published in the American Chemical Society’s journal Applied Materials and Interfaces. Yap and his team found a novel—and very simple—way to remove nearly 100 percent of nanomaterials from water. The method sounds like a salad dressing recipe: take water, sprinkle in nanomaterials, add oil and shake.
Dimensions of Contaminated Water
Water and oil don’t mix, of course, but shaking them together is what makes salad dressing so great. Only instead of emulsifying and capturing bits of shitake or basil in tiny olive oil bubbles, this mixture grabs nanomaterials.
Dongyan Zhang, a research professor of physics at Michigan Tech, led the experiments, which covered tests on carbon nanotubes, graphene, boron nitride nanotubes, boron nitride nanosheets and zinc oxide nanowires. Those are used in everything from carbon fiber golf clubs to sunscreen. “These materials are very, very tiny, and that means if you try to remove them and clean them out of contaminated water, it’s quite difficult,” Zhang said, adding that techniques like filter paper or meshes often don’t work.
Green Nanotechnology
We don’t have to wait until the final vote is in on whether nanomaterials have a positive or negative impact on people’s health and environmental health. With the simplicity of this technique, and how prolific nanomaterials are becoming, removing nanomaterials makes sense. Also, finding ways to effectively remove nanomaterials sooner rather than later could improve the technology’s market potential. “Ideally for a new technology to be successfully implemented, it needs to be shown that the technology does not cause adverse effects to the environment,” Yap, Zhang and their co-authors write. “Therefore, unless the potential risks of introducing nanomaterials into the environment are properly addressed, it will hinder the industrialization of products incorporating nanotechnology.” Purifying water and greening nanotechnology could be as simple as shaking a vial of water and oil. www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 21
Memristors:
Making a New Generation for Digital Memory and computation BY ALLISON MILLS
memristor_discdrive Electronics have come a long way from the 200 megabytes stored on this 75-pound Memorex 667 disk drive. Memristors like the one developed by Yun Hang Hu could push computing into a new era.
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memristor SEM
Bulk molybdenum disulfide makes a good resistor; by exfoliating the bulk material, Hu and his team turned the nanosheets into a memristor.
22 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
emristors are a new class of electrical circuits—and they could end the silicon era and change electronics forever. Since HP first developed a working prototype with a titanium dioxide film in 2008, engineers have sought to perfect the model. Now, researchers at Michigan Technological University have made an ideal memristor based on molybdenum disulfide nanosheets. Yun Hang Hu, the Charles and Carroll McArthur
Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, led the research, which was published in the scholarly journal Nano Letters in January.
Beyond Binary Code
Transistors based on silicon, which is the main component of computer chips, work based on a flow of electrons. If the flow of electrons is interrupted in a transistor, all information is lost. However, memristors are electrical devices with memory; their resistance is dependent on the dynamic evolution of internal state
a memristor possesses a voltagedependent resistance.” Hu said, adding that a material’s electric properties are key. “A memristor material must have a resistance that can reversibly change with voltage.” His research revealed that molybdenum disulfide nanosheets are promising for memristors. The material’s success comes down Characteristics of to engineering a Memristor atomic structures.
variables. In other words, memristors can “remember” the amount of charge that was flowing through the material and retain the data even when the power is turned off. “Memristors can be used to create super-fast memory chips with more data at less energy
Ideal Symmetry
An ideal memristor is symmetrical. The relationship between current and voltage is even, rounded and equal in both variables. In reality, memristors usually show lopsided current-voltage characteristics. However, Hu’s molybdenum disulfide memristor does show this ideal symmetry. This will make the material more memristor_grapha predictable and consistent as it is Ideal memristors have an even, symmetrical relationship between developed for use voltage and current. Hu’s molybdenum disulfide memristor has finally in electronics. achieved this symmetry using a double-sided silver foil. To get this symmetry, Hu and his research consumption,” Hu said. team started with bulk molybAdditionally, a transistor is denum disulfide, also known as the confined by binary codes—all the ones and zeros that run the internet, mineral molybdenite that used as an industrial lubricant. They then Candy Crush games, Fitbits and manipulated the material’s atomic, home computers. In contrast, memristors function in a similar way structural arrangements. The bulk material with a 2H phase works well to a human brain, using multiple as a regular resistor, and to make it levels—all levels between zero a memristor the team peeled back and one. Memristors will lead to a revolution for computers and provide the molecular layers. This exfoliation process creates molybdenum a chance to create human-like disulfide nanosheets with 1T phase. artificial intelligence. The nanosheets with1T phase exhibit “Different from an electrical a reversible change in resistance resistor that have a fixed resistance,
relative to voltage—necessary for a memristor. The researchers finally dispersed nanosheets on the two sides of a silver foil to form a symmetric memristor. “This material is in the very beginning stages for this application,” Hu said, adding that new materials and better memristors could radically change the way computers are built. It will start with smaller and faster computer chips, but then he gestures around his office. “These memristor materials will be very versatile, and someday, this white board and that coffee cup could be computers,” he said. And having a symmetrical memristor material brings us closer to that day.
Down Memory Lane
There are three traditional electronic circuits: the resistor, the capacitor, and the inductor. The memristor— a portmanteau of memory and resistor—is a fourth kind of circuit. Leon Chua first proposed the idea for a memristor in 1971; he believed the fourth component would be constructed for reasons of symmetry. Nearly 40 years later, HP successfully created the first prototype. Now, memristor materials are starting to change the way engineers think about computing. Yun Hang Hu’s molybdenum disulfide memristor is a major step towards making materials suitable for use in electronics. Allison Mills is a science and technology writer in the public relations and news office of Michigan Technological University in Houghton.
Now, memristor materials are starting to change the way engineers think about computing.
www.esd.org | The Engineering Society of Detroit | 23
FACING FACTS
Why and how to talk about inheritance with your family
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raditionally, inheritance has been viewed as an end-of-life event. Families usually remain silent about the issue until a parent passes away, but by then it’s too late to address any unresolved matters, often leading to disagreements among heirs. One of the insights from a compelling UBS Investor Watch report on the subject was that, changing the way families view inheritance can have a significant and positive impact both on benefactors like you and on your heirs. When parents include their children in their inheritance plans, families are much happier with the outcomes. And nine out of 10 heirs report being highly satisfied when they know the details ahead of time.
A tough conversation
Despite these facts, neither benefactors nor heirs feel comfortable having this difficult conversation. Benefactors, who may be living active, comfortable lives, often feel inheritance is not a pressing issue. They may also not want their heirs to count on an inheritance. Heirs, on the other hand, may feel that it’s inappropriate to discuss their parents’ money and don’t want to appear greedy. But both parties agree on one thing: It’s the benefactor’s responsibility to start the conversation.com. We can discuss:
Planning can make the difference
We believe that the desire on all sides to have a more open dialogue about inheritance can be fulfilled by discussing the subject within
24 | TechCentury | Spring 2016
By Tony Lott
the broader context of financial planning—especially longevity planning. People are living longer and living in better health. They now recognize the need to plan for the years ahead, including healthcare, long-term care and how they will pass on their wealth. When considered as part of financial planning and overall wealth transfer, the subject of inheritance can take its place alongside other types of decisions that families make together, with everyone’s wishes and needs addressed. The conclusion we draw from the research is clear: Your loved ones want you to start inheritance planning early and include them in the conversation. There is no typical way to have a family conversation about inheritance. But you should be prepared to discuss specific subjects and review specific financial information. Here are some of the issues you may consider: Emotional factors. Families don’t always like to talk about money. Some benefactors feel that letting their children know about the wealth they’ll receive one day may dampen their initiative or give them a sense of entitlement. Other benefactors want to enjoy their money, without feeling judged about how they spend it. And children often find it awkward to discuss their parents’ wealth. But families who discuss this early are happier than those who don’t. When was the last time you reviewed your will or estate plan? It’s important that you keep your will current to reflect any changes that have taken place in recent years.
Does your spouse understand your estate plan? We’ve found that typically only one spouse handles the planning. But it’s important that you both know the overall plan and objectives, before you start talking to your children. Have you discussed your plans with your children? Knowing what to expect ahead of time can prevent hard feelings during a difficult time. Our research reveals that when families have knowledge about the estate plan up front, there’s a 50 percent drop in disagreements when a loved one passes. Is there anything you want to do today to help your heirs? You may want to help a child purchase a home, or you could set up college savings plans for your grandchildren. We call that “giving while living.” We can also discuss how to balance this desire with the need to retain enough resources to maintain your lifestyle given today’s longer average lifespans. It’s all part of a comprehensive wealth management plan.
Keep the conversation going
It’s important to start the inheritance conversation now, and keep it going on a regular basis. To read the latest Investor Watch go to ubs.com/investorwatch. Anthony R. Lott, CFP, CIMA, CRPC, is Vice President-Investments at UBS Financial Services Inc.
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Call 800-682-6881 for a quote. Be sure to mention that you are with ESD. SAVINGS AVAILABLE TO ESD MEMBERS AND MEMBERS OF THESE AFFILIATE SOCIETIES: Air & Waste Mgmt. Assn.–East MI Ch. (EMAWMA) Am. Chemical Soc.–Detroit Section (ACS) Am. Concrete Inst.–Greater MI Ch. (ACI-GMC) Am. Council of Engineering Companies–MI (ACEC) Am. Foundry Soc.–Detroit Windsor Ch. (AFS-DW) Am. Inst. of Architects-Detroit Ch. (AIA) Am. Inst. of Architects-MI (AIA) Am. Inst. of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Am. Inst. of Constructors–MI Ch. (AIC) Am. Nuclear Soc. (ANS) Am. Polish Engineering Assn. (APEA) Am. Soc. for Quality–Greater Detroit Section 1000 (ASQ-DETROIT) Am. Soc. for Quality–Saginaw Valley (ASQ-SAGINAW) Am. Soc. of Agricultural & Biological Engineers–MI Section (ASABE) Am. Soc. of Body Engineers Int’l (ASBE) Am. Soc. of Civil Engineers–MI Section (ASCE) Am. Soc. of Engineers of Indian Origin–MI Ch. (ASEI) Am. Soc. of Heating, Refrig. & Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) Am. Soc. of Mechanical Engineers–MI (ASME) Am. Soc. of Plumbing Engineers–Eastern MI Ch. (ASPE-EMC) Am. Soc. of Safety Engineers–Greater Detroit Ch. (ASSE-DETROIT) Am. Soc. of Sanitary Eng. for Plumbing & Sanitary Research (ASSE) Am. Water Works Assn. (MI-AWWA) Am. Welding Soc. (AWS-DW) Arab Am. Assn. of Engineers & Architects, MI (AAAEA) Armenian Engineers & Scientists of America–MI Section (AESA-MI) ASM Int’l–Detroit Ch. The Materials Soc. (ASM-INT-DETROIT) Assn. for Facilities Engineering (AFE) Assn. for Iron & Steel Technology (AIST) Assn. of Business Process Mgmt. Professionals–SE MI Ch. (ABPMP) Assn. of Soil & Foundation Engineers (ASFE) Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Assn. (AASA) Biomedical Engineering Assn. (BMES) Building Commissioning Assn.–Central Ch. (BCA)
Construction Specifications Inst. (CSI) Council of Supply Chain Mgmt. Professionals (CSCMP) CREW Detroit–Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) Detroit Chinese Engineers Assn. (DCEA) Detroit Soc. for Coatings Technology (DSCT) ElectroChemical Soc. (ECS) Engineers Without Borders (EWBUSA) Great Lakes Renewable Energy Assn. (GLREA) Heavy Duty Manufacturers Assn. (HDMA) Illuminating Engineering Soc. of North America (IESNA) Inst. of Electrical & Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Inst. of Environmental Science & Technology (IEST) Inst. of Industrial Engineers Greater Detroit Ch. (IIE) Inst. of Mathematical Sciences (IMS) Instrumentation Systems & Automation Soc. (ISA) Int’l Council on Systems Engineering–MI Ch. (INCOSE) Japan Business Soc. of Detroit (JBS) Mechanical Contractors Assn. (MCA-Detroit) Mechanical Inspectors Assn. of MI (MIAM) Metropolitan Mechanical Inspectors Assn. (MMIA) MI Ch. of Am. Soc. of Landscape Architects (MASLA) MI Assn. of Environmental Professionals (MAEP) MI Assn. of Hazardous Materials Managers (MI-AHMP) MI Chemistry Council (MCC) MI Interfaith Power & Light (MIPL) MI Intellectual Property Law Assn. (MIPLA) MI Rural Water Assn. (MRWA) MI Soc. for Clinical Engineering (MSCE) MI Soc. of Professional Engineers (MSPE) MI Soc. of Professional Surveyors (MSPS) MI Water Environment Assn. (MWEA) MI!/usr/group (MUGORG) National Assn. of Corrosion Engineers (NACE) National Assn. of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
* Policies are underwritten by the Citizens Insurance Company of America and/or Citizens Insurance Company of the Midwest, companies of The Hanover Insurance Group. Participation in the group auto and home insurance program is based upon group membership and company underwriting guidelines.
Nat. Soc. of Black Engineers–Detroit Alumni Extension (NSBE-DAE) Net Impact Southeastern MI (NISEM) North Am. Soc. of Chinese Automotive Engineers (NACSAE) Project Mgmt. Inst.–Great Lakes Ch. (PMI) SAE Detroit Section (SAE-Detroit Section) SAE Mid MI (SAE-Mid MI) SAE Int’l (SAE-Intl) Safety Council for SE MI (SCSM) Saginaw Valley Engineering Council (SVEC) Soc. for Industrial & Applied Mathematics–Gr. Lakes Sec. (SIAM) Soc. for Marketing Professional Services–MI (SMPS) Soc. of Am. Military Engineers (SAME) Soc. of Am. Value Engineers–Greater MI Ch. (SAVE-GMC) Soc. of Applied Engineering Sciences (SAES) Soc. of Fire Protection Engineers–MI Ch. (SFPE) Soc. of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) Soc. of Manufacturers’ Representatives (SMR) Soc. of Manufacturing Engineers–Detroit Ch. No. One (SME) Soc. of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Soc. of Plastics Engineers–Automotive Division (SPEA) Soc. of Plastics Engineers–Detroit (SPE-DETROIT) Soc. of Tribologists & Lubrication Engineers (STLE) Soc. of Women Engineers (SWE) SE MI Facility & Power Plant Engineers Soc. (SEMPPES) SE MI Soc. for Healthcare Engineering (SMSHE) SE MI Sustainable Business Forum (SMSBF) Southeastern MI Computer Organization, Inc. (SEMCO) Structural Engineers Assn. of MI–Am. Inst. of Steel Const. (SEAMi) Student Environmental Assn.–University of MI, Dearborn (SEA-UMD) TiE–The Indus Entrepreneurs (TiE) U.S. Green Building Council–Detroit Regional Ch. (USGBC-DRC) United States Army (USARMY) United States Navy (USNAVY) WSU Student Ch. of the Engineering Soc. of Detroit (WSU-ESD)
Hartland Insurance Group, Inc. 691 N. Squirrel Rd., Suite 190 Auburn Hills, MI 48326 www.hartlandinsurancegroup.com 248-377-9600