Master Degree Programme in the Field of Mechatronics with the Focus on Microsystem Engineering

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1 Proceedings of the XIth International Congress and Exposition June 2-5, 2008 Orlando, Florida USA 2008 Society for Experimental Mechanics Inc. Master Degree Programme in the Field of Mechatronics with the Focus on Microsystem Engineering Arvydas Palevicius*, Prof., Kaunas University of Technology, A.Mickeviciaus 37, Kaunas, LT , Lithuania Vytautas Ostasevicius, Prof., Kaunas University of Technology, A.Mickeviciaus 37, Kaunas, LT-44244, Lithuania ABSTRACT The paper presents the engineering studies programs for International Students in the field of mechatronics at the International Studies Center of Kaunas University of Technology in Lithuania. The Master degree in Mechanical engineering through Mechatronic study programme curriculum is a two year curriculum offered by the International Studies Centre in English language for International students The Microsystem engineering specialization was included into the body of Mechatronic programme. The core of Microsystem engineering specialization includes following subjects: Physical Fundamentals of Microtechnology; Microsystems Materials; Microelectromechanical Systems Design; Nanotechnology and Nanostructures; Microsystems Materials Analysis; Sensors of Technology. Graduate has in-depth theoretical knowledge in mechatronics, computer science and electrical control engineering, is able to develop microsystems, carry out systemic analysis, can analyze and design Microsystems. INTRODUCTION The twenty first century, referred as the age of transformations, is marked by a very definite feature: the rapid process of globalization resulting in formation of the new shared culture and integrative scientific knowledge. While meeting this challenge Lithuanian universities have opened the door for the students from all over the world. The International Studies Centre of Kaunas University of Technology is one of such institutions which facing the globalization context tries to satisfy the educational needs of the engineering students from different cultures. As students from different countries have different educational experience, learning skills and abilities [1], International Studies Centre teaching staff started to look for new study programs and teaching/learning models that would enhance liberal, competence-based curriculum design, accelerate individual studies, stimulate practical investigations, provide successful communication and cooperation in a multiethnic group [2,3]. International Studies Centre is a structural unit in the university, coordinating and providing the undergraduate and graduate studies for international students in four languages: English, French, German and Russian. The center offers bachelor degree program in the field of mechatronics the modern and perspective program corresponding to the research and economical development priorities of Lithuania and EU. The program suggests a wide range of subjects as mechatronics, which is an interdisciplinary studies field of engineering including elements of mechanical engineering, electrical engineering and control engineering. The distinctive feature of the program is its special interest for international activities on professional background. International Studies Centre considers as important side of studies to develop personal student s skills to work in multicultural media and feel comfortable in a team work. In order to meet the above mentioned educational priorities of International Studies Centre, the program named as Export Engineering is suggested. The Export Engineering is a four year study program at the end of which the bachelor degree in Mechanical Engineering is awarded. Each academic year is divided into two semesters. The program is based on the following study blocks:

2 Courses of general university and engineering studies Special courses of mechanical, electrical and control engineering Optional courses of economics, management, law politics, language, international communication, etc. We offer the following study possibilities for international students: Full bachelor degree of mechatronics with possibilities to continue studies at postgraduate level in our university or other universities of Europe or other countries. Basic engineering (two year) studies at International Studies Centre with possibility to continue studies at any KTU technology field program Lithuanian language. Under this option a student will be given intensive Lithuanian language courses during all four semesters. This study option has an attractive international aspect as the student becomes skillful in two EU languages (from 2004 Lithuanian language is one of the official languages of EU). This knowledge of languages significantly increases job application possibilities for the graduates from EU and other countries. Modern mechanical engineering is based on the most progressive information and control technologies. Graduates of the program are formed the skills to apply basic engineering principles, the skills of design of the objects of mechanical nature applying computer provided possibilities, the skills of structure analysis and optimisation, integrated manufacture engineering and management, computer control technology applications, exploitation and maintenance of technological equipment, quality assurance, skills in material selection including modern plastics and composite materials, skills in professional communication in one of the main European languages and team working. Bachelor s of mechanical engineering have wide range knowledge and have good carrier possibilities in enterprises of other branches of industry: light industry, food industry, energetic, and other types of companies also in research and development institutions. The graduates are awarded the bachelor degree in mechanical engineering what allows them to continue their studies in master programs of the area of technological sciences in the field of Mechatronics. The authors of the paper would like to present the curriculum of the engineering study program which are provided for the international students at Kaunas University of Technology and to discuss some issues related to realization of these programs especially making focus on Microsystem Engineering specialization which was implemented in Mechatronic Master Degree Programme body. THE CORE OF MECHATRONIC MASTER DEGREE PROGRAMME The Master degree in Mechanical engineering through Mechatronic s study programme curriculum is a two year curriculum offered by the International Studies Centre in english language for International and domestic student and by the department of Mechatronics and Mechanics in Lithuanian language only for domestic student. More information on this program can be found at the internet. ( Main aim of the programme is to introduce profound knowledge of the mechatronics theory and the main methods of research. Graduates are able to analyze and solve tasks in the mechatronics using mathematical simulation, system analysis and computerized design methods: to analyze, evaluate, control and develop the mechatronic systems. The basic modules related to the core of Mechatronic master degree programme are presented in Table 1. Table 1. Core of Mechatronic master degree programme Engineering Projects Management Finite Element Method Adaptive Mechatronic Systems Computer-Aided Control of Technological Equipment Dynamics of Mechatronic Systems Real Time Systems Virtual Manufacturing In order to make studies more flexible the students has possibility to plan their individual studies by collecting electives modules presented in the table 2 and Table 3.

3 Table 2. Electives I Software Development of Mechatronics Systems Physical Fundamentals of Microtechnologies Methods of Material Investigation Mechanical Vibrations Table 3. Electives II Programmable Logical Controllers (W) Innovation Technologies in Mechatronics Quality Assurance of Mechatronics Systems Sensors of Technology Students after the completion studies of modules presented in the Table 1-3 has in-depth theoretical knowledge in mechatronics, computer science and electrical control engineering, is able to develop adaptive systems, carry out systemic analysis, can analyse and design mechatronic systems for manufacturing and process control and optimise their parameters. MICROSYSTEM ENGINEERING SPECIALIZATION The Microsystem engineering specialization was proposed to include into the body of Mechatronic programme by International Studies Center. The core of Microsystem engineering specialization includes following modules: Physical Fundamentals of Microtechnologies; Microsystems Materials; Microelectromechanical Systems Design; Nanotechnology and Nanostructures; Microsystems Materials Analysis; Sensors of Technology. ( Table 4. Core of Microsystem Engineering Specialization Module Microsystems Materials Nanotechnology and Nanostructures Physical Fundamentals of Microtechnologies Microsystems Materials Analysis Microelectromechanical Systems Design Sensors of Technology Main aim: Purpose of teaching of discipline is formation of knowledge in the field of mechanical, heat physics, electro physical, optical and chemical properties of the materials used at creation of supertiny devices, mechanisms and machines in view of features of their functioning and conditions of operation. The module aims to teach the basic knowledge about modern methods of nanotechnology, materials, instrumentation and applications. To introduce the basics of silicon processing for the fabrication of the various silicon-based components utilised in microsystems technology. To teach thorough understanding of advanced physical and chemical analysis methods, interaction of different type of radiation with matter and its applications in microsystems materials analysis. To provide knowledge about basics concepts and methods for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) design. Basics of the physics,chemistry and mathematics, Introduction to the Materials Science, Basics of the Microsystems Techn Graduate has in-depth theoretical knowledge in Microsystem Engineering and will be able to design and to develope Micromechanical systems.

4 LEARNING ENVIRONMENT AND FACILITIES The Joint Laboratory of International Studies Centre and Institute of Physical Electronics and The laboratory of Macro and micro dynamics systems are established in International Studies Center to support learning environment for the studies in the fields of Export Engineering and Mechatronics with the focus to Microsystem Engineering. The equipment for laser holography, Atomic force microscope Test benches for polymer materials, test bench for dynamic systems are used to support studies process. The Lithuanian National Mechatronic center for science, studies and information provides their facilities for teaching students in Mechatronic master degree programme as well. The International Studies Center initiated and assisted in establishment Laboratory for Micro Holography at this center. The staff of International Studies Center are participating in the research listed below: Investigation of micromechanical systems; Modeling and dynamics of mechanical systems; Investigation of vibrocutting; Mechanical testing of materials; Investigation of orthogonal cutting for research of dynamical material properties; Theoretical and experimental investigation of vibroisolating structures; Optical characterization of diffractive optical elements. Some results of these researches are published in the papers [4-9]. Research tasks and problem solutions aiming at the development of new quality level and new functional abilities dynamical systems both at micro and macro scales are being performed. In case of microsystems a micromechanical systems as structural (integrated) parts of MEMS, MOEMS are under research; combining the research methods applied in mechanics and physics, e.g. holographic interferometry and numerical holographic interferometry, atomic force microscopy, numerical simulation and analysis methods for research aimed at the determination of new specific features of the system is being performed. A special emphasis in this area is made on micromotor and micro relay research. By applying ultrasonic frequency to the cutting tool, it is possible to receive cutting method, which is named vibrocutting. For that purpose special cutting tools with piezoceramic is used. By appling ultrasonic frequency in cutting process is possible improve not only mashioned surface, but also is possibility to find wear of tool, temperature influence and esc. Optical characterization of difractive optical elements replicated in polymers is performed together with the International Studies Centre and Institute of Physical Electronics Joint Laboratory. An optical laser control method to control replication of microperiodic profile structures in polymers was developed. Diffraction efficiency of diffraction gratings (originally produced in silicon, quartz glass and replicated polymer substrates) is measured experimentally and estimated using linear dimensions of gratings or replica defined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Diffraction efficiency of periodic structure is used to control the surface relief formation during the combined ion etching of crystalline Si (100), quartz glass and replication of this structure using UV light hardening. The main experimental results are compared with the computer simulations where the standard programme (PCGrate 2000MLT) is employed. Influence of surface preparation of master matrix, composition of additives in polymers, on the microrheological processes and final quality of replicated structures is defined. These researches are closely related to the fieds of mechatronics and serves as a basis for supporting quality in providing education at International Studies Center. CONCLUSIONS International studies center is challenged to provide the industry with engineers for the interdisciplinary field of Mechatronics with the focus on MIcrosystem design not only for Lithuanian but for Gobal market too. This field of research and application is in a steady development: the curricula cannot be fixed for a long period as it is mostly the case in mechanical and electrical engineering education courses.

5 REFERENCES 1. Banks, A.J., Multicultural education. Issues and perspectives. Boston: Allyn and Bacon, (1989). 2. Augustiniene, A. and Ciuciulkiene, N. The Educating of Students Decision-Making Competence in the Problem Based Learning Context: Facing the Perspective of the Contemporary Knowledge Society. In Baltische Studien zur Erziehungs und Sozialwissenschaft, Band 12, ISSN , Frankfurt am Main: Peter Lang GmbH. Europaischer Verlag der Wissenshapten, (2005). 3. Palevicius, Arvydas; Palevicius, Ramutis; Ciuciulkiene, Nijole; Ragulskiene, Jūratė; Vasiliauskas, Raimundas. A numerical learning method based on PBL approach for the nonlinear vibration of mechanical systems // Vibroengineering 2006 : proceedings of the 6th International Conference, October 12-14, 2006, Kaunas, Lithuania / Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, IFToMM National Committee, Kaunas University of Technology. - ISSN Kaunas , p Ragulskis, Minvydas; Palevicius, Arvydas; Ragulskis, Liutauras; Bubulis, Algimantas. Generalized Abel transform for the analysis of fluid vibration in a tube // Optical Engineering. - ISSN Bellingham , Vol. 46, no. 6, art. no , p. [1-8] 5. Tamulevicius, Tomas; Tamulevicius, Sigitas; Andrulevicius, Mindaugas; Janusas, Giedrius; Ostasevicius, Vyt autas; Palevicius, Arvydas. Optical characterization of microstructures of high aspect ratio // Proceedings of SPIE : Metrology, Inspection, and Process Controll for Microlithography XXI. - ISSN X. - Bellingham , Vol. 6518, p. [1-9] 6. Palevičius, Arvydas,Hayman, G.; Steinzig, M.. Holographic PRISMA system for investigation of mechatronic systems // Vibroengineering 2006 : proceedings of the 6th International Conference, October 12-14, 2006, Kaunas, Lithuania / Lithuanian Academy of Sciences, IFToMM National Committee, Kaunas University of Technology. - ISSN Kaunas , p Ostasevicius, Vytautas; Gitis, Norm; Palevicius, Arvydas; Ragulskis, Minvydas; Tamulevicius, Sigitas. Hybrid experimental-numerical full-field displacement evaluation for characterization of micro-scale components of mechatronic systems // Solid State Phenomena : Mechatronics systems and Materials : a collection of papers from the 1st international conference MSM 2005, Vilnius, Lithuania, October ISSN Uetikon-Zuerich , Vol. 113, p Gyliene, Virginija; Ostasevicius, Vytautas; Skiedraite, Inga. Cutting tool's edge roundness effect // High Speed Machining [elektroninis išteklius] : sixth international conference, March 21-22, 2007, San Sebastian, Spain. - San Sebastian, 2007, p. [1-4] 9. Gyliene, Virginija; Ostasevicius, Vytautas; Sergent, A.; Louche, H. Theoretical and experimental study of milling process // Fifth Internationak Conference on High Speed Machining = Cinquieme Conference Internationale sur L'usinage a Grande Vitesse, March 14-16, 2006, Metz, France. - ISBN Metz, 2006, Vol. 2, p *arvydas.palevicius@ktu.lt; phone ; fax