Characterization method of thermomechanical parameters for microelectronic materials

Reliability of thermomechanical simulations is critically linked to the accuracy of the mechanical properties that govern the behaviour of structure, like Young's modulus (E) and coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). For many cases, the values found in literatures are dealing with bulk properties without detailed information on temperature effects. To address such issues, it is necessary to measure the materials parameters as a function of temperature. The measurement of CTE is usually accomplished by evaluating the thermal deflections of a subjected material layer deposited on a substrate, providing that E is known at a specific temperature of experiment. A bilayer method, based on theory of elasticity, is proposed to determine both E and CTE for a given temperature with a good resolution. This paper presents the theoretical analysis, the design and process of the microsystem test structures, and the main calculation results.     

Effect of thickness stretching and porosity on mechanical response of a functionally graded beams resting on elastic foundations

The novelty of this paper is the use of an efficient beam theory for bending, free vibration and buckling analysis of functionally graded material (FGM) beams on two-parameter elastic foundation. The present theory accounts for both shear deformation and thickness stretching effects by a parabolic variation of all displacements across the thickness, and satisfies the stress-free boundary conditions on the upper and lower surfaces of the beam without requiring any shear correction factor. Due to porosities, possibly occurring inside FGMs during fabrication, it is therefore necessary to consider the vibration, bending and buckling behaviors of beams having porosities in this work. The equation of motion for FGM beams is obtained through Hamilton’s principle. The closed form solutions are obtained by using Navier technique, and then fundamental frequencies are found by solving the results of eigenvalue problems. The validity of the present theory is investigated by comparing some of the present in literature. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the bending, free vibration and buckling behaviors of FGM sandwich beams.     

A four variable refined plate theory for nonlinear cylindrical bending analysis of functionally graded plates under thermomechanical loadings

In this paper we present a new application for a four variable refined plate theory to analyse the nonlinear cylindrical bending behavior of functionally graded plates subjected to thermomechanical loadings. This recent theory is based on the assumption that the transverse displacements consist of bending and shear components in which the bending components do not contribute toward shear forces and, likewise, the shear components do not contribute toward bending moments. The theory accounts for a quadratic variation of the transverse shear strains across the thickness, and satisfies the zero traction boundary conditions on the top and bottom surfaces of the plate without using shear correction factors. The material properties are assumed to vary continuously through the thickness of the plate according to a power-law distribution of the volume fraction of the constituents. The non-linear strain-displacement relations in the von Karman sense are used to study the effect of geometric non-linearity. The solutions are achieved by minimizing the total potential energy and the results are compared to the classical and the first-order theories reported in the literature. It can be concluded that the proposed theory is accurate and simple in solving the nonlinear cylindrical bending behavior of functionally graded plates.     

Power MOSFET quality and robustness enhancement with a new QBD characterization performed at probe–die–wafer level

The quality of the gate oxide is a central parameter for power MOSFET devices dedicated to automotive applications. Reliability is systematically evaluated through electrical tests. The purpose of this study is to apply the Q_BD test directly at probe–die–wafer level and to correlate its results with reliability test conclusions. In other words, this new kind of Q_BD test is a monitor of power MOSFET robustness which helps identify extrinsic failures and the process steps responsible. In summary, it is an accurate and fast measurement method of identifying weakened parts and enhancing device quality.     

Methodology for WEEE assessment in Algeria

Waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) generated in emerging countries is increasing. This study presents a methodology to improve assessment and monitoring WEEE in Algeria. The proposed methodology is a two-step approach. The first step is the collection and collation of existing data from different national and international sources. In the second step, different assessment and forecasting methods are applied. Forecasting methods were selected from those models which provided minimum error indices. The paper considers also the availability and reliability of data in order to provide a future reliable assessment of WEEE in Algeria. The study revealed that the forecasting methods do not have a big influence on the results contrary to the inputs of the model.     

N-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Modulate In-Vitro T Cell Function in Type I Diabetic Patients

In this work, we assessed the in-vitro effects of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; C20:5n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; C22:6n-3) (final concentration, 15 microM) on T cell blastogenesis, interleukin-2 and -4 (IL-2, IL-4) secretion, fatty acid composition and intracellular oxidative status in type I diabetic patients with or without complications. Con A stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, glucose uptake, intracellular reduced glutathione levels and catalase activity were lower in diabetics as compared to controls, regardless to the presence of complications. EPA and DHA diminished T-lymphocyte proliferation and IL-2 production but enhanced IL-4 secretion in both diabetic and control groups. No changes in the levels of reduced glutathione and in the activities of catalase and SOD were observed in control T cells cultured in the presence of EPA and DHA. However, in diabetic patients, addition of n-3 PUFA to culture induced an increase in T cell levels of reduced glutathione and hydroperoxide, and in activities of catalase and SOD. Low levels of arachidonic acid (C20:4n-6) were found in plasma membrane phospholipids of lymphocytes from diabetic patients compared to controls. Incubation of lymphocytes with EPA and DHA was associated with an incorporation of these fatty acids in membrane phospholipids. In conclusion, the beneficial effects of n-3 PUFA on T cell functions in type I diabetes could be attributed to their suppressive action and modulation of cytokine secretion, and to the improvement of intracellular oxidative status.     

Analysis of the transverse cracking in hybrid cross-ply composite laminates

A modified shear-lag analysis, taking into account the concept of interlaminar shear stress, is employed to evaluate the effect of transverse cracks on the stiffness reductions in different glass/epoxy and graphite/epoxy hybrid cross-ply laminates. The modified shear-lag model is proposed that assumes interlaminar adhesive layer between two neighbouring layers transferring not only interlaminar shear stress but also normal stress. The stress distribution is solved by the used model which rigorously satisfies the stress equilibrium equations, boundary conditions and the traction continuity at interfaces between layers.     

Influence des fumées de silice sur l’évolution de l’hydratation des pâtes de chaux ou de Ciment Portland

The silica fume (SF) is used in civil engineering, in particular for the manufacture of high performance concrete.In order to better understand the gain in strength of the concretes containing SF, the microstructural aspect has been examined.Mixtures of SF–Lime pastes present a hydraulic setting which is due to the formation of a C–S–H phase (calcium silicate hydrate). The latter is semi-crystallized. It is characterized by the lines of X-ray diffraction, hk0 such as: 3,06 Å (220), 2,80 Å (400) and 1,83 Å (040).The mix design SF–Lime paste is thus a simplified approach of that of the mixtures SF–OPC in which the main reaction is the fixation, by the SF, of lime coming from the hydration of C₃S in the form of C–S–H.Tests have been carried out on two varieties of SF resulting from the same furnace with the presence of lime or Portland cement. The results show that the presence of certain impurities, by their actions on the solubility of silica plays a significant role on the evolution of the hydration of the principal components of Portland cements and the kinetics of lime fixation by the SF.Among the impurities contained in the SF, carbon delays considerably the hydration of the principal components of Portland cement (C₃S and C₃A) as well as the pozzolanic reactivity of the silica fume without removing it.