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Dealing With Variation In Measurements & Processes: Experiments For An Undergraduate Laboratory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  15 March 2011

Linda Vanasupa ,
Heather Smith ,
Stacy Gleixner ,
Greg Young  and
Emily Allen
Linda Vanasupa
Affiliation:
Materials Engineering Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California
Heather Smith
Affiliation:
Statistics Department, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, California
Stacy Gleixner
Affiliation:
San Jose State University, San Jose, California Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Greg Young
Affiliation:
San Jose State University, San Jose, California Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Emily Allen
Affiliation:
San Jose State University, San Jose, California Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering
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Abstract

Being able to obtain and analyze quantitative data are an essential components of any undergraduate education in science or engineering. At the most basic level, this begins with characterizing the measurement system using proper statistical techniques. Although most undergraduates in the sciences and engineering are required to take a course in statistics, the knowledge gained in the statistics course does not always find its way into practice. In this paper we will present 4 experimental modules that will enable the student to: 1. Assess the precision of a measurement system; 2. Determine if the system is stable with respect to a number of variables; 3. Quantify the amount of variation that exists within a particular sample; 4. Quantify the amount of variation from sample to sample (i.e., process variation). Our modules were applied to the measurement of silicon dioxide thickness from an oxidation process. However, they generally apply to any process that involves measuring a physical quantity. Assessing these sources of variation in a process form the foundation for more advanced techniques such as process control and experimental design.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 684: Symposium GG – Impacting Society Through Materials Science and Engineering Education , 2001 , GG5.8
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2001

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References

REFERENCES

[1] Engineering Accreditation Commission, Criteria For Accrediting Engineering Programs (Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology, Inc., Baltimore, MD, 2000) p. 1.Google Scholar
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