At the November meeting will be presented a Failure Analysis Case Study and an Introduction to GE Aviation’s Activities, with highlights of the Patterson Plant.
Mark VanSolkema:
The Forest or the Trees?
Is your electronic device giving you fits? Have you examined all the pieces and parts but can’t seem to see the forest for the trees? Take a closer look. The trees may just be the problem! In this case study, optical microscopy and especially SEM/EDS are used to identify electrochemical metal migration or “dendrite shorting” in electronic circuits. The causes, detection, and prevention of metal dendrites will be reviewed.
Mark Van Solkema is a Consulting Engineer at GE Aviation Systems in Grand Rapids, MI who specializes in testing and analysis of electronic components and assemblies. Mark began his career at Lear Siegler where he was hired fresh out of technical school to operate and maintain the first Scanning Electron Microscope in the Grand Rapids area. Under the mentorship of metallurgist and ASM member Lee Wilbur, Mark developed a keen interest in electronic materials, especially the “physics of failure” approach to failure analysis. While working at “Lear”, Mark furthered his education at Grand Rapids Community College and Michigan State University. He also took advantage of several ASM home-study courses. Lear Siegler was acquired by Smiths Aerospace, and eventually GE Aviation. These changes brought new computer-based products and many opportunities to delve into the latest electronic components and materials technologies. Mark is currently the subject matter expert for lead-free electronic assembly and continues to perform troubleshooting, testing, and analysis of electronic parts, assemblies, and processes. Tools of the trade include Optical Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope/Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy, Radiography, Infrared Spectroscopy, and Metallography
Loren Strelow:
GE Aviation Business Activity Presentation
Loren Strelow is the Regional Sales Leader for GE Aviation. Loren leads the sales team responsible for new programs in the Americas, focusing on defense OEMs such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman as well as direct government programs. Loren joined GE Aviation in 2016. Prior to GE, Loren was the regional sales leader at Astronautics, a privately held aerospace firm. Loren started his aerospace career at Honeywell, formerly Allied Signal, holding various leadership roles over a span of 15 years in Sales, Marketing, Business Development and Customer Support. Loren holds a BS from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from University of Phoenix. Outside of work, Loren enjoys spending time with his family, home renovation projects and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity.
Coupled with this event is the opportunity to tour the GE Aviation plant on Patterson
See photos from the event here: