Publications

Journal Publications

  1. A. Eskandari, M. Alzgool, Y. Tian, M. Younis, S. Towfighian, Internal resonance of a T-shaped electrostatic levitation actuator, Sensors and Actuators: A Physical, Under Review.
  2. Y. Tian, B. Davaji, S. Towfighian, Genetic Algorithm Optimization to Increase Sensitivity of a Self-Powered MEMS Triboelectric Accelerometer, Smart Materials and Structures, Under Review.
  3. M. Chahari, H. Haghshenas, E. Salman, M. Stanacevic, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2024) Toward Self-Powered Load Imbalance Detection for Instrumented Knee Implants Using Quadrant Triboelectric Energy Harvesters, IEEE Sensors Journal, available online.
  4. M. Chahari, E. Salman, M. Stanacevic, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2024) Hybrid Triboelectric-piezoelectric Nanogenerator for Long-term Load Monitoring in Total Knee Replacements, Smart Materials and Structures, 33(5), 055034.
  5. M. Abdel Razzaq, R. T. Rocha; Y. Tian; S. Towfighian; S. F. Masri; M. I. Younis (2024) Nonparametric identification of a MEMS resonator actuated by levitation forces, International Journal of Nonlinear Mechanics, Volume 160, 104633.
  6. M. Mousavi, M. Alzgool, B. Davaji, S. Towfighian (2023) High Signal-To-Noise Ratio Event-Driven MEMS Motion Sensing, Small, p. 2304591. [PDF]
  7. M. Alzgool, Y. Tian, B. Davaji, S. Towfighian (2023) Self-powered Triboelectric MEMS Accelerometer, Nano Energy, Vol. 109, 108282. [PDF]
  8. M. Alzgool, M. Mousavi, B. Davaji, S. Towfighian (2022) Micro-Triboelectric Generator for Zero-Power Shock Detection, Nano Energy, Vol. 103 (Part A), 107758. [PDF]
  9. M. Mousavi, M. Alzgool, B. Davaji, S. Towfighian (2023) Event-Driven MEMS Vibration Sensor: Integration of triboelectric nanogenerator and Low-frequency Switch, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol 187, p 109921. [PDF] [Video]
  10. M. Mousavi, M. Alzgool, D. Lopez, S. Towfighian (2022) Open-loop control of electrostatic levitation actuators to enhance the travel-range of optical switches,  Sensors and Actuators A: Physical, Vol 338, p 113453. [PDF]
  11. Y. Tian, R. Miles, S. Towfighian, Employing Boundary Element Approach With Genetic Algorithm to Increase Travel Range of Repulsive Actuators, IEEE Sensors Journal, 22 (17), 16828-16836. [PDF]
  12. Y. Tian, M. Daeichin, S. Towfighian (2022) Dynamic Behavior of T-beam Resonator with Repulsive Actuation, Nonlinear Dynamics, vol. 107, 15-31. [PDF]
  13. A. Ibrahim, S. Towfighian, N. Barakat (2021) Design Optimization of a Triboelectric Energy Harvesting Mechanism for Knee Implants, Engineering Letters, 29 (3).
  14. M. Jain, N. Hossain,  S. Towfighian, R. Willing, M. Stanaćević, E. Salman  (2021) Self-Powered Load Sensing Circuitry for Total Knee Replacement, IEEE Sensors Journal, 21 (20), pp. 22967-22975. [PDF]
  15. M. Mousavi, M. Alzgool, S. Towfighian (2021) A MEMS pressure sensor using electrostatic levitation, IEEE Sensors Journal, 21 (17), 18601-18608. [PDF]
  16. N. Hossain, G. Yamomo, R. Willing , S. Towfighian (2021) Effect of dielectric material and package stiffness on the power generation in a packaged triboelectric energy harvesting system for total knee replacement, Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 143(10), 101009. [PDF]
  17. M. Mousavi, M. Alzgool, S. Towfighian (2021) Autonomous shock sensing using bi-stable triboelectric generators and MEMS electrostatic levitation actuators, Smart Materials and Structures, 30(6), 065019. [PDF]
  18. M. Mousavi, M. Alzgool, S. Towfighian (2021) Electrostatic levitation: an elegant method to control MEMS switching operation, Nonlinear Dynamics, 104, 3139-3155. [PDF]
  19. N. Hossain, G. Yamomo, R. Willing , S. Towfighian  (2021) Characterization of a packaged triboelectric harvester under simulated gait loading for total knee replacement, IEEE/ASME Transactions on Mechatronics, 26 (6), pp. 2967-2976. [PDF]
  20. G. Yamomo, N. Hossain, S. Towfighian, R. Willing (2021) Design and Analysis of a compliant 3D printed energy harvester housing for knee implants, Medical Engineering and Physics, vol. 88, pp. 59-68. [PDF]
  21. M. Pallay, M. Daeichin, S. Towfighian (2020) Feasibility Study of a MEMS threshold-pressure sensor based on parametric resonance: experimental and theoretical investigations, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 31 (2), 025002. [PDF]
  22. M. Daeichin, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2020) Large-stroke capacitive MEMS accelerometer without pull-in, IEEE Sensors Journal, 21 (3), pp. 3097-3106. [PDF]
  23. M. Pallay, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2021) Towards A High Bias Voltage MEMS Filter using Electrostatic Levitation, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, vol. 150, 107250. [PDF]
  24. M. Daeichin, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2020) Lateral pull-in instability of MEMS transducers employing repulsive force, Nonlinear Dynamics, 100 (3), pp.1927-1940. [PDF]
  25. N. A. Hossain, M. J. Razavi, S. Towfighian (2020) Analysis of mechanical deformation effect on the voltage generation of vertical contact mode triboelectric generator, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, 30 (4), 045009. [PDF]
  26. A. Ibrahim, A. Ramini, S. Towfighian (2020). Triboelectric energy harvester with large bandwidth under harmonic and random excitations. Energy Reports, 6, 2490-2502.
  27. A. Ibrahim, G. Yamomo, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2021) Parametric Study of a Triboelectric Transducer in Total Knee Replacement Application, Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 32(1) , pp. 16-28. [PDF]
  28. M. Daeichin, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2020) Experimental characterization of the electrostatic levitation force in MEMS transducers, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, 142(4): 041008 (7 pages). [PDF]
  29. M. Ozdogan, S. Towfighian, R. Miles (2020) Modeling and Characterization of A Pull-in Free MEMS Microphone, IEEE Sensors Journal, 20 (12), pp. 6314-6323.[PDF]
  30. M. Pallay, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2020) A Tunable electrostatic MEMS Pressure switch, IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics, 67(11), pp. 9833-9840. [PDF]
  31. M. Pallay, A. Ibrahim, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2019) Pairing electrostatic levitation with triboelectric transduction for high-performance self-powered MEMS sensors and actuators, Applied Physics Letters, 115(13), 133503. [PDF]
  32. M. Pallay, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2019) Merging parallel-plate and levitation actuators to enable linearity and tunability in electrostatic MEMS, Journal of Applied Physics, 126 (1), 014501. [PDF]
  33. D. Nelson, A. Ibrahim, S. Towfighian (2019) A Tunable Triboelectric Wideband Energy Harvester, Journal of Intelligent Material Systems and Structures, 30 (12), pp. 1745-1756. [PDF
  34. M. Daeichin, M. Ozdogan, S. Towfighian, R. Miles (2019), Dynamic Response of a Tunable MEMS Accelerometer Based on Repulsive Force, Sensors and Actuators: A Physical, Vol. 289, pp. 34-43. [PDF]
  35. A. Ibrahim, M. Jain, E. Salman, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2019), A Smart Knee Implant Using Triboelectric Energy Harvesters, Smart Materials and Structures, 28 (2), 025040 (11 pp). [PDF]
  36. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2019), A Parametric Resonator with Low Threshold Excitation for Vibration Energy Harvesting, Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 446, pp. 129-143. [PDF]
  37. D. Nelson, A. Ibrahim, S. Towfighian (2019), Dynamics of a Threshold Shock Sensor: Combining Bi-stability and Triboelectricity, Sensors and Actuators: A Physical, Vol. 285, pp. 666-675. [PDF]
  38. M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2018) A Reliable MEMS Switch Using Electrostatic Levitation, Applied Physics Letters, 113(21), pp. 213102. [PDF]
  39. M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2018), A Parametric Electrostatic Resonator Using Repulsive Force, Sensors and Actuators: A Physical, Vol. 277, pp. 134-141. [PDF]
  40. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2018), Low frequency energy harvesting with a variable potential function under random vibration, Smart Materials and Structures, 27(11), 114004 (12 pp). [PDF]
  41. A. Ibrahim, A. Ramini, S. Towfighian (2018), Experimental and Theoretical investigation of an impact vibration harvester with triboelectric transduction, Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 416, pp. 111-124 . [PDF]
  42. M. Ozdogan, M. Daeichin, A. Ramini, S. Towfighian (2017), Parametric Resonance of a Repulsive Force MEMS Electrostatic Mirror, Sensors and Actuators: A Physical, Vol. 265, pp. 20-31. [PDF]
  43. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2017), Internal Resonance and Low Frequency Vibration Energy Harvesting, Smart Materials and Structures, Vol. 26, no. 9, 095008 (11 pp). [PDF]
  44. M. Pallay, M. Daeichin, S. Towfighian (2017) Dynamic behavior of an electrostatic MEMS resonator with repulsive actuation, Nonlinear Dynamics, Vol. 89, no. 2, pp. 1525-1538. [PDF]
  45. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2017) A hybrid nonlinear vibration energy harvester, Mechanical Systems and Signal Processing, Vol. 90, pp. 317-333. [PDF]
  46. A. Ibrahim, S. Towfighian, M. Younis (2017) Dynamics of Transition Regime in Bi-stable Energy Harvesters, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, Vol. 139, no.2, 021002 (8 pp). [PDF]
  47. M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2017) Parametrically Excited Electrostatic MEMS Cantilever Beam with Flexible Support, Journal of Vibration and Acoustics, Vol.139, no. 2, pp. 021002 (8 pages). [PDF]
  48. C. Jin, D. Sharifikia, M. Jones, S. Towfighian (2016) On the Contact of Micro-/Nano-Structural Interface Used in Vertical-Contact-Mode Triboelectric Nanogenerators, Nano Energy, Vol. 27, pp. 68-77. [PDF]
  49. M. Ozdogan, S. Towfighian (2016) Nonlinear dynamic behavior of a bi-axial torsional MEMS mirror with sidewall electrodes, Micromachines, 7(42), 16 pages. [PDF]
  50. L. Liu, S. Towfighian, A. Hila (2015) A Review of Locomotion Systems for Capsule Endoscopy, IEEE Reviews in Biomedical Engineering, Vol. 8, Issue 1, pp. 138-151. [PDF]
  51. S. Towfighian, G. R. Heppler, and E. M. Abdel-Rahman (2012) Low-Voltage Closed Loop MEMS Actuators, Nonlinear Dynamics, Vol. 69, Issue 1-2, pp. 565-575. [PDF]
  52. A. Seleim, S. Towfighian, E. Delande, E. M. Abdel- Rahman, G. R. Heppler (2012) Dynamic Analysis of a Close-Loop Controlled Chaotic MEMS Resonator, Nonlinear Dynamics, Vol. 69, Issue 1-2, pp. 615-633. [PDF]
  53. S. Towfighian, A. Seleim, E. M. Abdel-Rahman, and G. R. Heppler (2011) A large stroke electrostatic micro-actuator, Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering, Volume 21, 075023 (12 pages). [PDF]
  54. S. Towfighian, G. R. Heppler, E. M. Abdel- Rahman (2011) Analysis of a chaotic electrostatic Micro-oscillator. Journal of Computational and Nonlinear Dynamics, Vol. 6, Issue 1, 011001 (10 pages). [PDF]
  55. S. Towfighian, K. Behdinan, M. Papini, Z. Saghir, P. Zalzal, J. de Beer (2008) Finite Element Modeling of low-speed reaming using reamers with irregular tooth spacing. Journal of Sound and Vibration, Vol. 318, no. 4-5, pp.868-883. 
  56. S. Towfighian, K. Behdinan, M. Papini, Z. Saghir, P. Zalzal, J. de Beer (2007) Finite Element Modeling of low speed reaming vibrations with reamer geometry modifications. Journal of Intelligent Manufacturing, Vol. 18, no. 6, pp.647-661.

Conference Proceedings and Abstracts

  1. Alzgool, M., Tian, Y., Younis, M., Towfighian, S., "Internal resonance of a T-shaped Levitation Actuator", In Hilton Head Workshop 2024: A Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Workshop. 2024.
  2. Alzgool, M., Tian, Y., Davaji, B., Towfighian, S., "A Self-powered Micro Triboelectric Accelerometer with High Sensitivity", In Hilton Head Workshop 2024: A Solid-State Sensors, Actuators and Microsystems Workshop. 2024.
  3. M. Chahari, E. Salman, M. Stanacevic, R. Willing, S. Towfighian, A hybrid Piezoelectric-Triboelectric Energy Harvester for Load Monitoring in Total Knee Replacement, International Society for Technology in Arthroplasty (ISTA), Sep 27-30, 2023, New York, New York.
  4. M. Chahari, E. Salman, M. Stanacevic, R. Willing, S. Towfighian, Improving Durability of Triboelectric Energy Harvester for Load Monitoring in Total Knee
    Replacement, ASME conference of Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems (SMASIS), Sep 11-13, 2023, Austin, TX.
  5. Alzgool, M., Tian, Y., Davaji, B., Towfighian, S. Towards a CMOS-Compatible Accelerometer Using Self-Powered Teng System, 2022 21st International Conference on Micro and Nanotechnology for Power Generation and Energy Conversion Applications (PowerMEMS), p 192-194.
  6. Tian, Y., Miles, R., Towfighian, S. Data-driven method to enlarge the travel range for multi-electrode resonators. In 2022 IEEE Seosnors.
  7. Mousavi, M., Alzgool, M., Davaji, B., Towfighian, S. Micro Triboelectric Generators to toggle MEMS switches. In 2022 IEEE Sensors. 
  8. Mousavi, M., Alzgool, M., & Towfighian, S. (2021) Enhancing open-loop control of MEMS using linear electrostatic levitation actuators. In 2021 IEEE Sensors (pp. 1-4). Watch Presentation here.
  9. N. Hossain, G. Yamomo, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2021) “Study of Material Stiffness Effect on The Power Generation by Triboelectric Energy Harvesters in Standard Knee Implant Package prototypes”, Orthopaedic Research Society Annual Meeting.
  10. Jain, M., Hossain, N. A., Towfighian, S., Stanaćević, M., & Salman, E. (2020, April). System prototype for a triboelectric harvester in a smart knee implant (SPIE Best Student Paper Finalist). In Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems IX (Vol. 11376, p. 113761F). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
  11. M. Ozdogan, S. Towfighian, R. Miles (2019) "Fabrication and Experimental Characterization of a MEMS Microphone Using Electrostatic Levitation", IEEE Sensors Conference, Oct. 27-30, Montreal, QC, Canada.
  12. M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2019) "A Combined MEMS Threshold Pressure Sensor and Switch", IEEE Sensors Conference, Oct. 27-30, Montreal, QC, Canada.
  13. M. N. Hasan, M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2019) "Threshold Pressure Sensing Using Parametric Resonance in Electrostatic MEMS", IEEE Sensors Conference, Oct. 27-30, Montreal, QC, Canada.
  14. M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2019) "Feasibility Study of a Capacitive MEMS Filter Using Electrostatic Levitation", ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 18-21, 2019, Anaheim, CA, USA, DETC 2019-97445, 7 pages.
  15. A. Ibrahim, G. Yamomo, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2019) “Analysis of a triboelectric energy harvester for total knee replacement under gait loading”, In Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XII (Vol. 10967, p. 109671D). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
  16. A. Ibrahim, M. Jain, E. Salman, R. Willing, S. Towfighian (2018), Feasibility of triboelectric energy harvesting and laod sensing in total knee replacement, ASME conference of Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, Sep 10-12, 2018, San Antonio, TX, USA, SMASIS 2018-8212, 8 pages.
  17. M. Pallay, A. Ibrahim, S. Towfighian (2018) A MEMS threshold acceleration switch powered by a triboelectric generator, ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 26-29, 2018, Quebec City, QC, Canada, DETC 2018-85543, 10 pages.
  18. A. Ibrahim, W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2018) Internal resonance of T-shaped structure for energy harvesting with magnetic nonlinearity. Proc. SPIE. 10595. In Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XII, 105952E, 8 pages (March 15, 2018). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
  19. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2018) Parametric resonance of a magnetically coupled harvester. Proc. SPIE. 10595. In Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems XII, 105952V, 7 pages (March 15, 2018). International Society for Optics and Photonics.
  20. W. Yang, P. Alevras, S. Towfighian (2017) Investigation of Vibration Energy Harvesting using two cantilevers with random input, ASME conference of Smart Materials, Adaptive Structures and Intelligent Systems, Sep 18-20, 2017, Snowbird, UT, USA, SMASIS 2017-3860, 7 pages.
  21. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2017) A broadband Energy Harvester with internal resonance induced by two resonators, ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 6-9, 2017, Cleveland, OH, USA, DETC 2017-67442, 8 pages.
  22. A Ibrahim, A Ramini, S. Towfighian (2017) Modeling an impact vibration harvester with triboelectric transduction, ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 6-9, 2017, Cleveland, OH, USA, DETC 2017-68283, 10 pages.
  23. M. Pallay, S. Towfighian (2017) Parametric Excitation of a Repulsive Force actuator, ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 6-9, 2017, Cleveland, OH, USA, DETC 2017-67381, 7 pages.
  24. D. Sharifikia, C. Jin, S. Towfighian (2016) Predicting the output of a triboelectric energy harvester undergoing mechanical pressure, Sep 28-30, 2016, Stowe, VT, USA, SMASIS 2016-9157.
  25. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2016) Performance of a bi-stable resonator with random input vibrations, ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 21-24, 2016, Charlotte, NC, USA, DETC 2016-60324, 7 pages. 
  26. M. Ozdogan, S. Towfighian (2016) A MEMS Microphone using repulsive force sensors, ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences, Aug 21-24, 2016, Charlotte, NC, USA, DETC 2016-60171, 13 pages. 
  27. W. Yang, S. Towfighian (2016) Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesting based on Variable Double-Well Potential Function, Proc. SPIE. 9799, Active and Passive Smart Structures and Integrated Systems 2016, 979902, 10 pages, (April 15, 2016) doi: 10.1117/12.2218077. 
  28. A. Ibrahim, S. Towfighian, M. Younis, Q. Su (2016) Magnetoelastic Beam with Extended Polymer for Low Frequency Vibration Energy Harvesting, Proc. SPIE. 9806, Smart Materials and Nondestructive Evaluation for Energy Systems 2016, 98060B,15 pages (April 01, 2016) doi: 10.1117/12.2219276. 
  29. L. Liu, S. Towfighian, Z. Jin (2015) A Cylindrical Triboelectric Energy Harvester for Capsule Endoscopes, Proceedings of the IEEE Biomedical Circuits and Systems Conference (BIOCAS), Oct. 22-24, Atlanta, Georgia, pp. 49-52. 
  30. J. Zhou, R. Miles, S. Towfighian (2015) A Novel capacitive sensing principle for microdevices , Proceedings of ASME International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Aug 2-5, Boston, MA, DETC 2015-56554, 6 pages. 
  31. S. Towfighian, S. He, R. Ben Mrad (2014) A Low voltage electrostatic micro actuator for large out-of-plane displacement, Presented at the International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Aug 17-20, Buffalo, NY, Published in the Proceedings of ASME IDETC, DETC 2014-34283. 
  32. S. Towfighian, M. Ozdogan (2014) Static modeling of a bi-axial micro-mirror with sidewall electrodes, Proceedings of ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Nov 14-20, Montreal, QC, Canada, IMECE 2014-38834. 
  33. Q. Dong, Y. Chen, and S. Towfighian (2014) MEGA: an Energy Aware Algorithm for Self-Powered Wireless Sensor Networks in Sustainable Smart Infrastructure, The 2nd Workshop on Green Broadband Access: Energy Efficient Wireless and Wired Network Solutions- IEEE GolbeCom, Austin, Texas, Dec. 12, 2014. 
  34. S. Towfighian, A. Seleim, E. M. Abdel- Rahman, G. R. Heppler (2010) Experimental validation for an extended stability electrostatic actuator, Presented at the International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Aug 15-18, Montreal, QC, Published in the Proceedings of ASME IDETC, Vol. 4, pp. 631-638. 
  35. S. Towfighian, G. R. Heppler, E. M. Abdel- Rahman (2010) A low voltage controller for a chaotic micro resonator, Presented at the International Design Engineering Technical Conferences and Computers and Information in Engineering Conference, Aug 15-18, Montreal, QC, Published in the Proceedings of ASME IDETC, Vol. 4, pp. 639-644. 
  36. S. Towfighian, G. R. Heppler, E. M. Abdel- Rahman (2009) Quadratic controller for a chaotic micro-resonator. Presented at the 2nd Microsystems and Nanoelectronics Research Conference, Oct 14, Ottawa, ON, Published in the Proceeding of MNRC, pp. 69-72. 
  37. S. Towfighian, E. M. Abdel-Rahman, and G. R. Heppler (2008) Static and dynamic analysis of a bi-stable micro-actuator, Presented at the ASME International Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition, Boston, MA, Oct 31- Nov 6, Published in the Proceedings of ASME IMECE, Vol. 13, pp. 421-431. 
  38. S. Towfighian, E. Abdel- Rahman, G. R. Heppler (2008) Simulation of the Static Response of a Chaotic Micro-actuator, The Mechanics Conference, May 29-30, Blacksberg, VA.