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Electric Vehicle Batteries: Recycled

2018-07-18T14:04:45+00:00

  Material Scientist Ponder What to Do With Used EV Batteries  As electric vehicles become mainstream, mechanical engineers and chemical engineers are trying to address the big environmental question: what do we do with the used lithium-ion batteries? The batteries used in electric cars are physically large, last 8 to 10 years, and will account for 90 per cent of the lithium-ion battery market by 2025.  This will increase lithium demand fourfold, and more than double the demand for cobalt — two of their essential elements.  The price of cobalt has already risen by more than 80 per cent in 2018.   Most expert Material Scientists agree that a replacement hybrid car battery can range from $1,000 to more than $6,000.  The [...]

Electric Vehicle Batteries: Recycled 2018-07-18T14:04:45+00:00

Engineering Advances: Degradation and Saving Electric Vehicle Batteries

2018-07-10T15:47:30+00:00

Degradation of EV Lithium Batteries  Battery degradation in Electric Vehicles (See Figure 1. to Right) leads to capacity fade, thereby shortening the vehicle’s possible range.  Patterns are beginning to emerge and provide valuable insight into EV battery capacity and lifetime.  Most drivers are retaining over 90% of original capacity Range Anxiety Some cars have a range of only 106 miles, equivalent to just over three times the average daily drive in the US. New Electric Vehicles are expected to have a range of up to 235 miles, a 220% increase, therefore, range is constantly improving to address consumer concerns. Charging an EV takes time, and unless you have fast in-home charging infrastructure or public charging infrastructure it will remain a barrier. [...]

Engineering Advances: Degradation and Saving Electric Vehicle Batteries 2018-07-10T15:47:30+00:00

Electric Vehicle Battery: Electronic Materials, Cost, and Lifespan

2018-07-03T15:48:21+00:00

(Figure 1 - Electric Vehicle on Fire)  Electric Vehicle Battery Materials Most electric vehicle batteries are lithium based and rely on a mix of cobalt, manganese, nickel, and graphite and other primary components, can be very dangerous, battery fires could occur (See Figure 1. Above).  Some of these materials are harder to find than others, though none should be classified as "rare earth metals" ( http://glewengineering.com/the-impact-of-chinese-export-restrictions-on-rare-earth-elements/) . Over 60% of the  global supply for cobalt comes from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which has a poor human rights track record; international organizations have denounced for years the exploitative labor practices involved in cobalt production.  Cobalt deposits can be found throughout the world and are most prominent in the African Copper [...]

Electric Vehicle Battery: Electronic Materials, Cost, and Lifespan 2018-07-03T15:48:21+00:00

Semiconductor Record Fab Spending 2018

2018-05-14T10:33:13+00:00

Good News for Materials Scientists - Semiconductor Record Spending Fab spending reports show unprecedented high semiconductor equipment sales are being driven by a handful of well-known companies, and also by several new Chinese companies entering the semiconductor marketplace. An increase in overall fab spending (greenfield construction and equipment together) of 54 percent year-over-year (YoY) in China is expected.  Total spending in China rose from $3.5 billion in 2016, to $5.4 billion in 2017, and then is anticipated to be $8.6 billion in 2018, another 60 percent year-over-year (YoY). The demand for Materials Scientists to develop manufacturing processes and engineers to install and maintain the equipment will be huge as well . Fab Spending is Beyond Silicon Valley China-based companies [...]

Semiconductor Record Fab Spending 2018 2018-05-14T10:33:13+00:00

NAND Flash – 11 Myths Still Floating Around

2018-06-27T16:21:57+00:00

Think You Know NAND Flash?  NAND flash has become the de facto memory standard in the years since Toshiba first introduced it almost three decades ago. However, many misconceptions remain to this day about its use. A wide variety of NAND flash-memory products are available, all with significantly different features and capabilities.    All NAND flash has the same interface. NAND flash, introduced by Toshiba more than 20 years ago, is available in both the asynchronous and toggle-mode interfaces. The original asynchronous interface is found mostly in lower-density devices (<32 Gb), while high-density NAND flash (≥64 Gb) is typically used in the toggle-mode interface.( http://glewengineering.com/tester-prober-interfaces-direct-probe-part-1/  UFS memory is primarily just for smartphones. Universal Flash Storage (UFS), while smartphones [...]

NAND Flash – 11 Myths Still Floating Around 2018-06-27T16:21:57+00:00

Semiconductor Worldwide: Samsung Takes Over

2018-06-22T11:44:20+00:00

Samsung topples Intel as top dog semiconductor market share  Gartner beancounters say price rises driven by memory shortages propelled Samsung into the lead based on semiconductor vendor revenue, vaulting past Intel and its CPUs. The largest memory supplier, Samsung Electronics, gained the most semiconductor market share and took the No. 1 position from Intel – the first time Intel has been toppled since 1992. Memory accounted for more than two-thirds of all semiconductor revenue growth in 2017, and became the largest semiconductor category.  DRAM prices rose 44 per cent from 2016 to 2017, and NAND flash prices went up 17 per cent year-over-year for the first time. (See Figure Below)   A Gartner table provides the numeric nitty-gritty [...]

Semiconductor Worldwide: Samsung Takes Over 2018-06-22T11:44:20+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineer Reviews a Modified Electric Vehicle – Part 1

2018-03-05T17:14:11+00:00

A Licensed Mechanical Engineer at Glew Engineering Consulting was asked by a company in Southern California to provide a Professional Engineer (P.E.) review of body modifications that they made to a theme park owned 1983 Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) that they had converted to an electric vehicle. Figure 1. A Mechanical Engineer Analyzed the Front of Custom Sport Utility Vehicle  Licensed Mechanical Engineer Reviews a Modified Electric Vehicle The client had already designed and built a vehicle, so Glew Engineering analyzed an “as built” vehicle.  The company hoped to repurpose a float/SUV that they had used previously in parades.  Our client was requested by the theme park to repurpose the SUV, and perform cosmetic alterations [...]

Licensed Mechanical Engineer Reviews a Modified Electric Vehicle – Part 1 2018-03-05T17:14:11+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Engaged for Cause Investigation

2018-03-06T10:44:02+00:00

At Glew Engineering, our highly trained staff has the know-how to assist in any type of cause investigation.

Mechanical Engineers Engaged for Cause Investigation 2018-03-06T10:44:02+00:00

Flat Panel and LCD Screens: Part 1

2018-02-13T16:36:45+00:00

Liquid crystal display (LCD) screens are omnipresent in our technologically saturated lives.  Having largely displaced the older CRT screens, LCDs make up a large portion of the digital imaging we see all around us.  They are present in everything from our ubiquitous smartphones and computer screens to digital billboards, wristwatches and vehicle and aircraft instrumentation.  How do flat panel LCD screens work? One can often find videos and articles documenting eager teardowns of new devices, but few delve beyond the hardware and into the materials and design behind the screen itself.  For this series of blog posts, we will be review some aspects of display technology , why they work, and how they are assembled.  To illustrate my points, I’ve disassembled a legacy Sony Ericsson® S500i phone [...]

Flat Panel and LCD Screens: Part 1 2018-02-13T16:36:45+00:00

Introduction to IC Thermal Management and Heat Transfer

2018-04-05T15:35:55+00:00

IC thermal management introduction. This relates to the heat transfer problems encountered by an electrical engineer in semiconductor design.

Introduction to IC Thermal Management and Heat Transfer 2018-04-05T15:35:55+00:00

Mechanical Engineers Support the Film Industry

2018-02-09T23:06:34+00:00

The entertainment industry relies on "entertainment engineers," e.g. mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and others for standards https://www.smpte.org. Perhaps more importantly,  the movie industry requires Licensed Mechanical Engineers to safely innovate and amaze.  Film sets are complex physical productions, most of which are not digital special effects.  The film industry utilizes Licensed Mechanical Engineers to create complex props and various special effects that move, exploded, burn, and fly.  The mechanical engineers specializes in designing and making a wide range of mechanical devices that fulfill a specific purpose for the film or set they are engaged, or modify available technology to quickly achieve stupendous results.  Licensed Mechanical Engineers also help in structural aspects of heaving rigging, such as lighting (See above Fig. 1 [...]

Mechanical Engineers Support the Film Industry 2018-02-09T23:06:34+00:00

A Mechanical Engineer Designs Ways to Give Your Canine Friend a Lift Up: Dog Ramps

2018-02-15T10:34:21+00:00

A Mechanical Engineer Designs Ways to Give Your Canine Friend a Lift Up  A Mechanical Engineer designs ways to give your "Best Friend" easy access to your vehicle and different higher surfaces. Read more to find out what kind of options are available for your dog.  A properly sized and installed dog ramp eases a dog's boarding dilemmas.  Ramps are divided into several categories: folding, telescoping, fixed, moveable and those that are stored under the back bumper of a car.  This article describes the different types of dog ramps available and the engineering required to properly design them.    Fig. 1 Mechanical Engineers Design Easy Car Access for Dogs Mechanical Design, Materials Science,  Weight, and Ease [...]

A Mechanical Engineer Designs Ways to Give Your Canine Friend a Lift Up: Dog Ramps 2018-02-15T10:34:21+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Help You Ditch Suburbia

2018-02-13T23:41:15+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Help You Ditch Suburbia Licensed Mechanical Engineers Ensure Vehicle Safety and Comfort The recreational vehicle industry (Fig. 1) is flourishing.  People can use their RVs full time part, part time or travel the country for months at a time. A Licensed Mechanical Engineer (Licensed Mechanical Engineers Role in Manufacturing) makes certain that travel is safe and comfortable at the same time, without missing out on the comforts of home and your favorite kitchen. (Fig. 2)  Recreational vehicles' kitchens are designed with adequate ventilation to ensure that no fires occur.    Across that spectrum, the RV industry is enjoying an unprecedented growth.  Who are these RVers? They love the beauty and solace of being outdoors, abiding [...]

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Help You Ditch Suburbia 2018-02-13T23:41:15+00:00

Glew Engineering Expert Witness Profile

2018-02-14T10:56:14+00:00

Alexander Glew, Ph.D., P.E. established Glew Engineering Consulting 20 years ago. Since then, it has successfully served clients world-wide with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science engineering expertise.  Dr. Glew has provided testimony multiple times for Intellectual Property (IP) litigation matters, International Trade Commission (ITC) cases, and International arbitration. Fig. 1 Litigation Support Glew Engineering Expert Witness Profile Glew Engineering is located in Silicon Valley, California Alexander Glew, Ph.D., P.E. established Glew Engineering Consulting 20 years ago. Since then, it has successfully served clients world-wide with mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and materials science engineering expertise.  Dr. Glew has provided testimony multiple times for Intellectual Property (IP) litigation matters, International Trade Commission (ITC) cases, and International arbitration. [...]

Glew Engineering Expert Witness Profile 2018-02-14T10:56:14+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Create Animal Prosthetics

2018-02-15T11:11:34+00:00

Animal Prosthetics are a widely varying field with many different interfaces.  Licensed Mechanical Engineers add immense insight into material selections, gearing, wear, and vibration response.   From disease prevention (heating, ventilation, hospital room design) to surgical tools, mechanical engineering has vastly changed the art of healing sick and injured animals.  A Licensed Mechanical Engineer can develop a variety of apparatus' for the Animal Kingdom to increase   mobility. Animal prosthetics are a relatively new phenomenon, and their technology is improving at a rapid pace.  Animal Prosthetics are Designed by Licensed Mechanical Engineers Animal Prosthetics are a widely varying field with many different interfaces.  Licensed Mechanical Engineers add immense insight into material selections, gearing, wear, and vibration response. An actuated prothetic [...]

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Create Animal Prosthetics 2018-02-15T11:11:34+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineer Models, Designs and Tests Air Purifier Technologies

2018-04-05T11:42:20+00:00

Fig. 1  Triple HEPA Filter   Licensed Mechanical Engineers Design and Model Smoke Purification Equipment Fires across the country, including Oregon, Montana, Idaho, Washington, and especially in California consume thousands of acres of forests, homes and businesses.  With smoke-filled skies make air-purifiers a necessity.  Smoke from a wildfire can travel hundreds of miles to infiltrate homes and offices.  A licensed Mechanical Engineer ( Licensed Mechanical Engineer ) models, develops and tests smoke and particle filters (Fig. 1) to effectively remove smoke from the air in your home or workplace.   We added air filters to our offices in the Silicon Valley during the height of the fires. Early Mechanical Engineers  As early as the 1600s, Mechanical Engineers and physicians decided that [...]

Licensed Mechanical Engineer Models, Designs and Tests Air Purifier Technologies 2018-04-05T11:42:20+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Design Zoo Habitats

2018-04-06T13:48:23+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Design Zoo Habitats Licensed Mechanical Engineers with Innovative Ideas Licensed Mechanical Engineers design habitats for Zoo Animals (see: Licensed Mechanical Engineers) accommodating all animals large and small.  Zoo care is a booming industry since the past decade.   Mechanical Engineers with innovative ideas can create sanctuaries for wildlife conservation.  Architects design the Facility Aesthetics of the Zoo.  Engineers keep the animals and public safe, and design technical aspects of the zoo enclosures.  Licensed Mechanical Engineers build habitats for animals using the most updated technical information available. Engineers ensure that the animal is content and cannot escape from its new habitat. Guests have a viewing area without encroaching the animals' personal space.  Mechanical Engineers need information such as how [...]

Licensed Mechanical Engineers Design Zoo Habitats 2018-04-06T13:48:23+00:00

Licensed Mechanical Engineer Supports Restaurants with Ventilation Exemption Letters

2018-02-02T14:22:15+00:00

Mechanical Engineering Consulting Firm Supports Small Restaurants Engaging a Mechanical Engineering Consulting Firm Facilitates Ventilation Exemption Approvals The Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health, Consumer Protection Division, published a guideline “Food Facility Plan Requirements” to assist new (or remodeld) restaurant business owners meet the California Retail Food Code (CalCode).  The document facilitates obtaining a California Health and Safety Certificate; it does not discuss local planning and zoning requirements, or local fire safety requirements, etc.  The internet address www.ehinfo.org for further information.  Section 4.P. dictates ventilation standards; most cooking equipment needs hoods and ducts.  However, for smaller food preparation appliances, under certain circumstances, a ventilation hood exception can be granted.  Engaging a Licensed Mechanical Engineering Consulting firm can facilitate [...]

Licensed Mechanical Engineer Supports Restaurants with Ventilation Exemption Letters 2018-02-02T14:22:15+00:00

Mechanical Engineering Consulting Firm Solves Truck Axle Failure

2018-02-02T14:08:05+00:00

Mechanical Engineering Consulting Firm Solves an Axle Failure Attorney Requested Mechanical Engineering Consulting and Litigation Support Glew Engineering provides mechanical engineering consulting to high technology and industry.  As is often the case, an attorney asked us to provide an independent 3rd party review of the cause of repeated torsion axle failures on a semi-truck trailer that his client experienced.  We obtained the failure information and photographs from the client and researched the trailer and its axle configuration.  As mechanical design experts, we formulated an unbiased opinion on why the trailer’s axles failed multiple times despite being under the rated loads.  For the final phase of our litigation support, we wrote and expert report documenting our findings.   Litigation Support [...]

Mechanical Engineering Consulting Firm Solves Truck Axle Failure 2018-02-02T14:08:05+00:00

Mechanical Engineering Consultants Use 3D CAD Software Comparison via Custom Motorcycle Frame: Creo vs Solidworks vs Inventor: Part 2

2018-03-08T12:14:53+00:00

3D CAD Software Comparison Blog Series: Starting the Motorcycle Frame Design in Solidworks™  Welcome back to our 3D CAD software comparison blog series. Recall that in last week’s discussion, as Mechanical Engineering Consultants we introduced our plan to to model a motorcycle frame in three different 3D CAD software packages.  We gave a brief history of the three CAD software packages that Glew Engineering employs: Solidworks™, Creo™, and Inventor™. In this week’s blog, as Mechanical Engineering Consultants we use Solidworks™ CAD software to model a portion of the motorcycle frame, a simple tube, while comparing three modeling techniques: Extruding Sweeping Weldment Motorcycle Frames We designed a simple bobber inspired motorcycle frame, this is conceptual, yet realistic enough to illustrate [...]

Mechanical Engineering Consultants Use 3D CAD Software Comparison via Custom Motorcycle Frame: Creo vs Solidworks vs Inventor: Part 2 2018-03-08T12:14:53+00:00
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