Senior Design Projects

Below is a list of the senior design projects since the course was initiated in 1993. We are grateful to our industrial partners for making this course a valuable learning experience for our students.

2002/2003

Medtronic

Analysis of Surface and Structural Properties of Biomaterials

IBM

Dendrite Formation and Orientation in Sn-Based Solders

TIMET

Texture Development in Titanium Alloy Sheet

Hydro Automotive

Characteristics of Extrusion Charge Welds

2001/2002

IBM East Fishkill, NY

Explore issues related to lead-free soldering in electronic packaging

Harley-Davidson Milwaukee, WI

Determine structure-process-property relationships in structural polymeric motorcycle components

American Axle and Manufacturing Detroit, MI

Establish statistically-based metallurgical quality control procedures and methods for induction hardening of axle shafts

Universal Alloy Corporation Anaheim, CA

Determine how microstructure and processing affect electrical conductivity of structural aluminum alloys

Grede Foundries Iron Mountain, MI

Determine why fatigue performance of iron castings is substantially decreased in thick section sizes

2000/2001

IBM East Fishkill, NY

Develop tantalum nitride thin film processing for integrated circuits

SciMed Minneapolis, MN

Develop methodologies for understanding performance of angioplasty balloons

Visteon Dearborn, MI

Propose and develop materials for advanced driveshafts

Ford Dearborn, MI

Propose and develop materials for advanced brake rotors

Eastern Alloys Maybrook, NY

Optimize process of slush casting of zinc-aluminum alloys

1999/2000

IBM East Fishkill, NY

Optimize solder interconnects for electronic packaging

Brush Wellman Cleveland, OH

Determine structure-property-processing relationships in Cu-Ni-Sn alloys

Goldstar Coatings West Branch, MI

Reduce defects during removal of coatings on high performance cutting tools

3M St. Paul, MN

Improve performance of electronic chip polishing devices

Charter Steel Saukville, WI

Identify causes of nozzle clogging during steel continuous casting and propose solution

1998/99

Hydro Aluminum Oslo, Norway

Characterize and find uses for aluminum foams

Rouge Steel Detroit, MI

Design a waste oxide recycling facility

Alcoa Pittsburgh, PA

Find a way to eliminate defects in brazing of aluminum structures

Chrysler Corporation Auburn Hills, MI

Design a sensor that will give thermal history of pistons in engine tests

1997/98

NTN Technical Center Ann Arbor, MI

Find a mechanism to inhibit spinning of the bearing inner race on aluminum shafts during temperature excursions

Ford Motor Company Dearborn, MI

Determine the mechanical and structural properties of various polymer-base sandwich composites

Charter Steel Company Saukville, WI

Find ways to recycle or reuse steel mill slag products

Cummins Engine Company Columbus, IN

Identify surface modification techniques to improve oxidation resistance of pistons in diesel engines

Charter Steel Company Saukville, WI

Characterize electric arc furnace dusts, and explore recycling/reuse issues

CSM Industries Coldwater, MI

Analyze die failures in refractory metal dies, and suggest solutions

Motorola Austin, TX

Determine causes of defects in E-PROM computer chips

1996/97

US Olympic Luge Team Lake Placid, NY

Choose new materials for luge runners

American Axle and Manufacturing Detroit, MI

Determine causes of cracks in forged auto connecting rods

Ford Motor Company Dearborn, MI

Find causes of distortion in torque converters during manufacturing

Wells Manufacturing Woodstock, IL

Determine and optimize the effects of microstructure on machinability of cast iron

Cummins Engine Company Columbus, IN

Study oxidation behavior of diesil engine piston crowns

North Star Steel Monroe, MI

Develop procedures to remove zinc from liquid steel when recycling

1995/96

3M St. Paul, MN

Extend service life of evaporation sources used in thin film coating processes

3M St. Paul, MN

Improve surface finish of rapid prototyped components

NTN Technical Center Ann Arbor, MI

Explore use of polymers for bearings

Charter Steel Saukville, WI

Eliminate hazardous waste production in metal slags

Charter Steel Saukville, WI

Optimize process to remove oxide coatings on steel products

Brush Wellman Cleveland, OH

Optimize microstructures in copper-beryllium alloys

General Motors Warren, MI

Develop manufacturing techniques for magnetostrictive composite materials

SCM Metal Products Research Triangle Park, NC

Study friction and wear in copper-ceramic composites

Alon Processing Inc Tarentum, PA

Extend service life of coated tubing used in polymer synthesis furnaces

1994/95

Goldstar Coatings West Branch, MI

Choose wear-resistant coatings for polymer substrates

Ford Motor Company Dearborn, MI

Investigate polymer composites for auto use

Ford Motor Company Dearborn, MI

Develop separation techniques for aluminum recycling

Cummins Engine Company Columbus, IN

Investigate using liquid metal embrittlement to split connecting rods during manufacturing

Charter Steel Saukville, WI

Study microstructure and oxide development during heat treating of steel

General Motors Warren, MI

Develop procedures for manufacturing non-contact sensors using giant magnetostrictive materials

Hickman, Williams Co Livonia, MI

Determine whether ferrosilicon evolves toxic gases during transportation, which would classify it as a hazardous material

Hickman, Williams Co Livonia, MI

Design a facility for reclaiming foundry sand, including economic analysis

Howmet Corporation Whitehall, MI

Design a non-contact nozzle stopper for use in casting of jet engine components