On this page:
Angeles | Barthelat | Bergthorson | Frost | Habashi | Higgins | Hubert | Kietzig | Lee | Legrand | Lessard | Liu |
Mongeau | Mongrain | Nadarajah | Nahon | Pasini | Sharf | Vengallatore
There are 32 projects and 38 positions listed on this page
JORGE ANGELES
RESEARCH AREA: Dynamics & Control
TITLE: Final Integration for the Dual-Arm Testbed
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH013
DESCRIPTION: A Dual-Arm Testbed intended for the development and testing of collision-management algorithms for robots is currently under construction at the Robotic Mechanical Systems Laboratory (RMSLab), Centre for Intelligent Machines. The testbed is composed of several subsystems: the mechanical subsystem, the electronic subsystem and the visual tracking subsystem, with all required h/w and s/w already available at RMSLab. By the beginning of this summer term, all required components including the gripping mechanisms, will be ready to install. The integration of all subsystem and the end-effector are still to be implemented. Integration includes interfacing all subsystems or components into one single system. The tasks ahead include design and manufacturing work of some connectors and electronic components, such as electronic filters. Knowledge of electronics and computer engineering is required.
TASKS:
1. Design required connectors or electronic filters; 2. Connect all subsystems and complete the interfacing of the whole system.
DELIVER:
design drawings for manufacturing, quotations of goods and manufacturing services, and the operation brochure of the whole system, all integrated in a final technical report.
RESEARCH AREA: Design and Manufacturing
TITLE: Embodiment Design of Innovative Clutching Mechanisms
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH014
DESCRIPTION: "Spin loss" is a common term widely used in the automotive industry to denote energy sinks in the powertrain. This project is exploring innovative clutching mechanisms for hybrid automotive transmissions that are more fuel-efficient than their current counterparts, while still satisfying the conflicting requirements of low cost, compactness, quick response, high power/torque density and low spin losses. By the beginning of this summer term, we will have completed 80% of the embodiment design of two novel clutching variants, an electromechanical clutch (EMC) and an electromagnetic dog clutch (EDC). The objective of the sub-project for the SURE position is to complete the balance 20% embodiment design, including drawings for manufacturing, to design and to set up a testbed, and to carry out the tests for the EMC.
TASKS:
1. Understand the operation principle of the novel clutching mechanisms and complete the manufacturing drawings; 2. Build a testbed for the electromechanical clutch prototype; and 3. to conduct the tests for the EMC.
DELIVER:
Design drawings for manufacturing, quotations of goods and manufacturing services, completed testbed for the EMC, and test results, all integrated in a final technical report.
FRANCOIS BARTHELAT
RESEARCH AREA: Biomaterials
TITLE: Fabrication and Testing of Bio-Inspired Composites
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH011
DESCRIPTION: This project focuses on the fabrication and testing of a novel composite material directly inspired from nacre (mother-of-pearl) from mollusk shells. Nacre is mostly made of a fragile mineral (aragonite) that comes in the form of microscopic tablets stacked in a three-dimensional brick and mortar structure. This natural composite is incredibly tough: 3000 tougher than aragonite! To this day no manmade material can achieve this kind of improvement.
TASKS:
In this project you will fabricate and test a novel composite that duplicate the unique deformation and fracture mechanisms observed in natural nacre. You will use (i) manual assembly of millimeter size polymer tablets and (ii) self-assembly of microscopic silicon tablets (in collaboration with the Chemistry Department at McGill). Finally you will perform mechanical tests on these materials using our small-scale mechanical testing facilities.
DELIVER:
1. Specimen preparation; 2. Mechanical testing; 3. Analyze experimental data; 4. Report your progress in weekly group meetings.
JEFF BERGTHORSON
RESEARCH AREA: Energy
TITLE: Alternative Jet Fuel Vaporization and Combustion
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH015
DESCRIPTION: The Alternative Fuels Laboratory at McGill (http://afl.mcgill.ca) focuses on studying the combustion of blends of alternative fuels (e.g., ethanol, biodiesel) with conventional fuels (e.g., gasoline, diesel, and jet fuels). These experimental and modeling studies are aimed at improving the performance of automotive and aircraft engines using these fuels, with specific emphasis on reducing pollutant emissions. Laser diagnostic techniques and other advanced measurements are used to obtain detailed information from flames that can be used to validate industrial design tools. Students will be exposed to all of these topics within our weekly research meetings. Two projects are available and these are part of a collaboration with Pratt & Whitney Canada to study the effect of different blends of bio-jet and petroleum-jet fuels on the performance of their aviation gas turbine engines.
The first project will involve the measurement of the fuel vapor pressure as a function of temperature for blends of bio-jet and petroleum-jet fuels. The student will fit the measured data with an analytical model that will then be used by Pratt & Whitney and other collaborators to predict changes in the mixing and combustion behavior associated with different biojet/jet blends.
The second student will assist Masters students to perform laser velocimetry measurements in laminar flames of these bio-jet/petro-jet blends. The student will be responsible for the data analysis and will numerically simulate their experiments with modern combustion chemistry codes to identify appropriate surrogate fuel compositions that are representative of the real fuel.
TASKS:
Students will be given the opportunity to participate in the full scope of these research projects, from operating the experimental facilities, collecting data, analyzing the data, performing modeling and simulation, and critically evaluating the results. A graduate research assistant will supervise the project and provide guidance and support to students. Students will present their research progress at our weekly AFL group meetings.
DELIVER:
Student 1: A detailed report on the vapor pressure measurements and analytical model parameters for the set of biojet/jet fuel blends. Student 2: A detailed report on the flame velocity profile measurements, as well as the surrogate-fuel blend and associated numerical simulation results, for the fuel blends studied.
JEFF BERGTHORSON and DAVID FROST
RESEARCH AREA: Energy
TITLE: Flames in Hybrid Gas-Solid Mixtures
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH001
DESCRIPTION: Considerable research has been carried out to understand the propagation of flames in premixed combustible gases as well as in combustible dust-air mixtures. Relatively little work has been carried out on flames in hybrid mixtures consisting of a dust cloud combined with a combustible gas. These are encountered during accidental explosions in industry and transportation. Examples of hybrid mixtures involved in accidental explosions include methane and coal dust explosions in mines, dust and solvent vapour mixtures in paint manufacturing and the pyrotechnic and pharmaceutical industries, and grain and fermentation gases in the food processing and biofuels industries. Dust combustion has also been proposed to provide the energy source for an external combustion engine. This project involves experimental studies of both stationary flames (using a stabilized burner or counterflow apparatus) and propagating flames (in a cylindrical flame tube and propagation of a flame in a spherical dust-gas mixture contained within a balloon) in hybrid mixtures. The goal is to determine the fundamental flame propagation properties, including flame speed, quenching distance and flame structure. Various optical diagnostics will be used, including particle image velocimetry, optical pyrometry and spectrometry, to probe the flame structure. For the experiments spherical flame propagation experiments, the student may participate in field trials carried out at the Canadian Explosive Research Lab in Ottawa.
TASKS:
Assist two current graduate students in carrying out experimental flame tests and analysis of experimental data.
DELIVER:
Comprehensive final report giving the results of the experimental investigation.
DAVID FROST
RESEARCH AREA: Advanced Materials & Polymers
TITLE: Ballistic Response of Shear-Thickening-Fluids
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH002
DESCRIPTION: The hazards posed by shrapnel from improvised explosive devices (IEDs) are of primary concern to the Canadian Forces. In order to meet these challenges, the continued incorporation of new materials and technologies is necessary in the development of more flexible, lightweight armour systems. The integration of Shear Thickening Fluids (STFs) embedded in traditional ballistic fabrics is one such technology that could be practical. The physical characteristics of STFs, which consist of fine solid particles suspended in a carrier fluid, which are advantageous for protective equipment is that the materials are field-responsive. This means that the materials will behave differently under various threats. For example, under the strain involved with normal motion, the fluids are able to flow and the armour would be flexible, however upon application of a high-strain-rate force such as a ballistic event, the materials stiffen to provide protection. Our current research program consists of an experimental and computational investigation of the fundamental behaviour of STF under high-strain rate dynamic loading while applying the same amplitude forces that are involved in ballistic events. The ballistic response of a variety of fluid-solid particle systems is being studied using single-stage light gas guns to determine the optimum system for protecting against ballistic impact threats. Incorporation of the shear thickening fluid with a ballistic fabric (e.g., Kevlar) will be carried out in collaboration with the industrial sponsor of the work.
TASKS:
Assist a postdoctoral fellow in the preparation of STFs and performance of ballistic tests using a light gas gun.
DELIVER:
A final report giving a comprehensive description of all data gathered.
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Dynamics of Instabilities During Explosive Particle Dispersion
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH033
DESCRIPTION: When a dense particle-gas mixture is accelerated to high speeds, instabilities often develop within the particle cloud leading to a nonuniform density field and the formation of particle clusters or jets. These particle jets are observed over a wide range of physical scales in natural phenomena such as astrophysical flows and volcanic eruptions, as well as following the detonation of heterogeneous explosives contained particles, and during the breakup of liquids and particle beds used for blast mitigation. Currently it is not clear what is the dominant physical mechanism that governs the formation of the particle jets. The project involves computational studies with the goal of determining the influence of various parameters on the formation of particle jets. Molecular dynamics, and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics (SPH), a mesh-free computational approach, are being used to model the phenomena. The results will be compared with high-speed movies from experiments in which both particles and a liquid layer were explosively dispersed to investigate the various physical phenomena.
TASKS:
Carry out molecular dynamics and SPH computations in collaboration with a current postdoctoral fellow.
DELIVER:
Final report containing a detailed description of all computational results obtained.
WAGDI HABASHI
RESEARCH AREA: Aerospace Engineering
TITLE: A Meshing Tool For Efficient Aerodynamic Simulations
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH022
DESCRIPTION: The accuracy of numerical simulations of complex fluid flows greatly depends on the quality of the discretization of the computational domain, i.e. the underlying mesh. A lot of time is usually required with modern meshing software to generate suitable meshes. This process contributes to further increase the time required by modern CFD methods to obtain solutions in the design phase of an aircraft or an urban environment, especially when one or more geometrical details can change during the process. Greater efficiency can be obtained by adopting a meshing tool that avoid re-generating the entire mesh as the geometry of the problem changes but alters only those areas that require the modifications. The project aims at optimizing an already available meshing tool in order to extend its current capabilities and apply this code to the problem of modifying existing meshes in an efficient manner while preserving good geometrical quality.
TASKS:
Phase 1: Implementation of novel features in the existing code. Phase 2: Application of the method to the modification of meshes for typical aerospace and wind engineering applications. The project requires some programming skills (Fortran).
DELIVER:
Optimized implementation of the meshing tool and modification of existing meshes for parametric analyses.
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Reduced Order Methods for Computational Fluid Dynamics
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH023
DESCRIPTION: Steady and unsteady 3D viscous turbulent numerical simulations of the aerodynamics of aircrafts and rotorcrafts are computationally expensive. To overcome this problem Reduced Order Modeling (ROM) approaches can be used that reduce the cost to a few seconds by guaranteeing remarkable accuracy. Using mathematical methods like Proper Orthogonal Decomposition and multidimensional interpolation, the number of degrees of freedom of typical aerospace simulations can be reduced to a few dozens. The project aims at understanding the accuracy of the ROM approach when applied extensively to parametric analyses and optimization problems that typically require a lot of expensive CFD calculations, like for example the exploration of the flight and icing envelopes to characterize the aerodynamic performances and icing conditions of modern aircrafts or the optimization of the airframe integration of the engine nacelle
TASKS:
The project involves the use of already available high-fidelity CFD and ROM software to perform sensitivity analyses and to resolve optimization problems for typical aerospace applications. Namely a selected set of high-fidelity simulations will be performed and used to define a suitable ROM model to be used in the parameteric analysis.
DELIVER:
Results of the sensitivity and optimization analyses and evaluation of the current ROM approach in these contexts.
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Application of a Level-Set Method to In-Flight Icing
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH021
DESCRIPTION: Level-set method is a mathematical technique that allows performing geometrical deformations by solving a partial differential equation. In this approach, a surface is mathematically represented as an object that evolves through time until the final shape is obtained. This approach can be used effectively in the context of the numerical simulation of ice accretion in aerospace applications. In fact, ice accretion can produce irregularly distributed heaps of ice that alter significantly the streamlined aerodynamic shape of aircraft and, in order to be able to numerically simulate the flow around such deformed geometries, it is important to modify the computational mesh as ice accretes. A remarkable feature of using Level-Set approach in this area is the robustness of the method with respect to the geometrical quality of the resulting mesh. The project aims at the development of technique based on Level-Set equations to resolve the problem of deforming a mesh as irregular ice shapes occurs.
TASKS:
The project involves the study and the implementation of a Level-Set based algorithm on the basis of an already existing preliminary code. The work requires a lot of programming (Fortran language) culminating in a validation phase for typical 2D and 3D ice shapes.
DELIVER:
A Fortran90 code with the implementation of the Level-Set method
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Simulation of Flow Over Tall Buildings, Using OPENFOAM
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH020
DESCRIPTION: Computational Wind Engineering (CWE) deals with application of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) methodologies in classical Wind Engineering problems, which are usually analyzed employing experimental tools in wind tunnels. In Wind Engineering procedures the aerodynamic analysis will be performed to investigate effects of the wind action over structures where the structural motion may be neglected. The Navier-Stokes equations for viscous incompressible flows and a continuity equation are the governing equations for the fluid analysis. The student will use open source code (OPENFOAM) to perform the CWE simulation in the context of high-Reynolds flow over the Commonwealth Advisory Aeronautical Council (CAARC) standard tall building model. Time-averaged pressure coefficients on the exterior walls will be compared with experiments.
TASKS:
1. Download OPENFOAM; 2. Run test cases; 3. Generate mesh for CAARC test case; 4. Run CAARC test case; 5. Perform post processing of results and comparison with experimental results; 6. Study the effect of various RANS based turbulence model and LES model on the accuracy of results.
DELIVER:
Write a comprehensive report of the capabilities of OpenFoam in dealing with such flows and comparison with other available CFD results
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Validation of Water Evaporation Models for Aircraft Icing Applications
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH026
DESCRIPTION: Newmerical Technologies International (NTI) is an international leader in the development of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for the simulation of in-flight icing and the design of ice protection systems for aircraft, rotorcraft, jet engines and UAVs. Its FENSAP-ICE code is the only 3D code for that purpose and is in wide use in aerospace companies worldwide. When supercooled water droplets in clouds hit the surface of an aircraft at icing altitudes, they either freeze on impact, forming ice, or melt and run back and freeze well past the impact point. Thus, the smooth surfaces of the airplane become contaminated, and the roughness of the ice that accumulates severely reduces the performance of the aircraft. Airworthiness regulations mandate that aircraft be protected against in-flight icing. Ice protection equipment can be roughly divided into three categories: hot air anti-icing, pneumatic de-icing and electro-thermal de-icing. Recently, substantial improvements have been added to the CHT3D module of NTI’s FENSAP-ICE, the only commercial code that can analyze aircraft anti-icing and de-icing equipment in wet-air conditions.
TASKS:
Under the supervision of company scientists, thestudent will conduct a validation of evaporation models, starting with the simpler ones and progressing through more complex ones based on a vapor transfer equation, with experimental data available in the literature. He/she will be responsible for running and monitoring several external flow and calculations to evaluate the effect of the evaporation model on the accuracy of the ice shapes generated by the ice accretion (ICE3D) and Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT3D) module.
DELIVER:
Verification and comparison of different evaporation models. Final report including graphs and figures.
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Validation of Simplified Swept Wing With Piccolo Tube Anti-Icing
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH027
DESCRIPTION: Newmerical Technologies International (NTI) is an international leader in the development of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) tools for the simulation of in-flight icing and the design of ice protection systems for aircraft, rotorcraft, jet engines and UAVs. Its FENSAP-ICE code is the only 3D code for that purpose and is in wide use in aerospace companies worldwide. When supercooled water droplets in clouds hit the surface of an aircraft at icing altitudes, they either freeze on impact, forming ice, or melt and run back and freeze well past the impact point. Thus, the smooth surfaces of the airplane become contaminated, and the roughness of the ice that accumulates severely reduces the performance of the aircraft. Airworthiness regulations mandate that aircraft be protected against in-flight icing. Ice protection equipment can be roughly divided into three categories: hot air anti-icing, pneumatic de-icing and electro-thermal de-icing. Recently, substantial improvements have been added to the CHT3D module of NTI’s FENSAP-ICE, the only commercial code that can analyze aircraft anti-icing and de-icing equipment in wet-air conditions.
TASKS:
Under the supervision of company scientists, the student will conduct a comparison between an actual 3D wing piccolo tube anti-icing equipment and a simplified model based on a linear periodic geometry with the same wing airfoil and a reduced piccolo tube to determine the difference between the two models and the suitability of the simplified model for the preliminary design of the piccolo tube. He/she will be responsible for running and monitoring several external and internal flow calculations to evaluate the effect of the simplified model on the accuracy of the results produced by the Conjugate Heat Transfer (CHT3D) module.
DELIVER:
Grid Generation; Internal and external flow calculations; Conjugate heat transfer calculations; Comparison of the two approaches; Final report with graphs, figures and conclusions.
ANDREW HIGGINS
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Dimensional Scaling of Flame Propagation in Random Media
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH009
DESCRIPTION: The propagation of reactive waves (flames) through random arrays of point-like heat sources is investigated via analytic/computational simulations. The solutions of the point-source problem for the heat equation can be superimposed to simulate a reactive wave that propagates via source to source, through a three dimensional cloud of sources. Parameters of interest are the average velocity of propagation and the limits to propagation (value of heat release and source concentration able to support propagation). Of particular interest is the scaling of results between two-dimensional rectangular slab-shaped clouds and axisymmetric cylindrical clouds. This phenomenon has relevance to flames propagating in clouds of combustible dust in air, forest fires, or flames propagating through a rocket propellant
TASKS:
The student will be responsible for writing an algorithm (e.g., in Matlab, etc.) for simulating the reactive wave propagation in clouds of sources. The student will optimize the simulations and run a statistically significant number of calculations, reduce and analyze the results, and prepare them in summary form (graphs, plots). Student will also be involved in laboratory tests attempting to experimentally realizing the phenomenon involved
DELIVER:
A summary and analysis of all simulations performed, along with documentation supporting algorithm development.
RESEARCH AREA: Aerodynamics, Fluids, & Thermal Engineering
TITLE: Implosion Driven Hypervelocity Launcher
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH008
DESCRIPTION: This project consists of developing a hypervelocity launcher capable of launching a projectile to extremely high speeds for the purpose of simulating orbital debris impacts in the laboratory. The launcher uses an energetic material to squeeze the launch tube (implosive pinch), generating high pressures that are used to accelerate the projectile to hypervelocity. This device may be capable of achieving velocities not accessible by conventional laboratory gas guns. Issues involved developing this device that need to be addressed are: (1) stability of implosion process (2) dynamic fracture of the launch tube and the projectile to due high dynamic loads, (3) vaporization/ablation of launch tube wall material due to extreme temperature/velocity flow generated. Research scheduled for the summer of 2012 will address these issues.
TASKS:
Responsible for designing and building launcher prototypes to address issues above. Testing will be done in collaboration with the professor and the graduate students involved in the project. The student will also be involved in analysis of experimental results and constructing simple, analytic models of unsteady gasdynamic, high dynamic strain, and heat transfer phenomenon encountered in the launcher.
DELIVER:
Design drawings of all prototypes tested, documentation of test conditions and analysis of results and a written description of models developed.
PASCAL HUBERT
RESEARCH AREA: Composite Materials
TITLE: Characterization and Manufacturing of Multiscale Composites
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH012
DESCRIPTION: Advanced composite laminates are being increasingly used in primary and secondary aerospace structures. Leading the charge are high-performance thermoset polymer composites. Improved specific strength, stiffness, and fatigue life are some of the many design benefits of this novel class of engineering materials; however, poor transverse mechanical properties, undesirable failure mechanisms such as brittle fracture and delamination, and manufacturing limitations such as high production costs and inconsistent part quality remain serious points of contention. Renewed vigor in manufacturing and performance research is a necessity in order to reach the full and safe potential of these composites.
Over the past decade, fundamental research on nanomodified thermoset polymers has hinted at the great potential that the dispersion of nanoparticles has to improve the mechanical, thermal and electrical performance of polymer composites. Still, the addition of nanoparticles can adversely affect the physo-chemical properties of the polymer, thereby reducing processability of the composite and prohibiting the leap to industrial-scale manufacturing. In this project, the student will assist the research partners with resin and fabric characterization and modeling, and composite part processing and manufacturing. In doing so he/she will gain invaluable experimental experience with novel composites.
TASKS:
1. Characterization and cure-kinetic modeling of nanomodified epoxy resins. 2. Characterization and modeling of the fabric/woven reinforcement permeability. 3. Assisting with the processing and manufacturing of composite plates for mechanical and quality testing.
DELIVER:
A summary of theoretical and experimental work accomplished during the project in the form of a report, a poster, and a short oral presentation.
ANNE KIETZIG
RESEARCH AREA: Nanotechnology & Advanced Materials
TITLE: Adhesion Reduction Between Epoxy and Mold
PROJECT NUMBER: CHEM008
DESCRIPTION: Polymer and epoxy casting and molding are widely used methods in the automotive, machinery and aircraft industries. One of the problems the industry encounters is the adhesion of the formed part to the mold surface. Deforming the part often requires various chemical release agents, tight control over the process parameters and process downtime due to cleaning steps required for the subsequent use of the mold after deforming one part. Innovative ways to decrease the amount of mold release agents and cleaning times will reduces environmental hazards and save production costs.
The underlying idea of this project is to reduce adhesion between the formed part and the mold by exploiting physical principles found in nature, e.g. the leaf frog’s toes. A systematic reduction of contact area between the part and the mold without compromising the final shape of the formed part is the goal of this project. This requires testing adhesion between epoxy samples and newly creating anti-adhesive mold surfaces. The contact-reducing and thereby anti-adhesive property of the mold will be induced by femtosecond laser micromachining a distinct micro- and nanostructure onto the mold surface. Thereby, previous experience from the group will help to determine the geometric parameters.
TASKS:
The student will design and set-up two experimental steps: (1) an epoxy-molding experiment using a hot press; (2) a force measurement deforming experiment following tensile strength test principles. Using this setup several combinations of laser machined surfaces and process parameters will be investigated for optimal results. The project therewith requires an approach across disciplines. The student will work both in Prof. Kietzig’s lab in Chemical Engineering and in Prof. Hubert’s lab in Mechanical Engineering. Chemical engineering skills have to be linked with some insights in materials and mechanical engineering to obtain the best possible results. The student will be able to conduct his own project covering all steps of design until the presentation of the proof of principle.
DELIVER:
Design of a customized mold for epoxy molding process and proof of principle experiments to demonstrate reduced adhesion between mold and polymer.
JOHN LEE
Tel.: 514-398-6301
RESEARCH AREA: Other
TITLE: Turbulence and Detonation Limits
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH025
DESCRIPTION: The project is an experimental study of the influence of turbulence on the detonation limits. The experiment will be carried out in a shock tube and tubulence is generated by inserting a wire spiral inside the tube to create wall roughness. The limits will be determined for different wall roughness.
TASKS:
Experiments
DELIVER:
Report on results
RESEARCH AREA: Other
TITLE: Turbulence Effect on Detonation Limits
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH007
DESCRIPTION: The project involves an experiment study of the effect of turbulence on the detonation limits. Experiments are carried out in a shock tube and tubulence is generated by inserting different wall roughness on the inner wall of the tube.
TASKS:
Carry out experiments.
DELIVER:
Report on the Results
MATHIAS LEGRAND
Tel.: 514-398-5321
RESEARCH AREA: Aerospace Engineering
TITLE: Calculation of Gap Spacing between Fan and Casing in Turbines
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH004
DESCRIPTION: A major difficulty for the study of three-dimensional contact between deformable structures in a turbine engine lies in the detection algorithm. The detection algorithm computes the distance between a point and a 3D parametric surface. When one accounts for large deformations, no hypothesis can be made regarding the parametric surface and a general detection procedure must be used. Based on existing routines (MATLAB and C++) in both 2D and simplified 3D, the student will have to develop a C++ routine for the computation of the distance between a point and a bicubic B-spline surface. This development will follow an evaluation of the different existing algorithms based on previous work and publications. .
TASKS:
1. Review existing 2D and 3D routines to understand the current implementations; 2. Develop a numerical algorithm for computing the distance between a point and an arbitrary bicubic B-spline surface; 3. Implement this algorithm in C++ under specific guidelines so that it can be incorporated into existing code; 4. Verify the algorithm using known examples.
DELIVER:
1. C++ algorithm for determination of distance between a point and a bicubic B-spline surface; 2. Verification examples; 3. Concise documentation outlining the operation of the algorithm.
RESEARCH AREA: Aerospace Engineering
TITLE: Development of Robust Eigenvalue Solver for Sparse Matrices
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH005
DESCRIPTION: The need for both higher performance and precision in modern numerical simulations frequently results in very large matrices for which the solution of the eigenvalue problem or the associated linear problem may be computationally sensitive. Many strategies are available to optimize these two basic operations, such as the use of sparse matrices or specific iterative algorithms. The goal of the current project is to develop a robust numerical strategy for solving linear and eigenvalue problems for very large symmetric sparse matrices (more than 100,000 rows and columns). Based on existing Python and MATLAB routines, the student will investigate the most recent algorithms implemented within associated libraries (such as Numpy and Scipy) in order to develop a procedure that will suit both low and high ram memory environments and possibly investigate out-of-core approaches.
TASKS:
1. Review current eigenvalue and linear algebra solvers in MATLAB and Python to determine relevant characteristics; 2. Choose the optimal solution strategies identified during the review stage to be verified against trusted solution strategies; 3. Investigate means of numerically stabilizing the solution techniques (e.g. pre-conditioners, sparse matrix formats, etc.); 4. Develop and validate a solution strategy for both problem types which can be used in a low or high ram memory environments.
DELIVER:
1. Review of current eigenvalue and linear algebra solvers in the programming languages MATLAB and Python; 2. Low and high ram memory solution strategies; 3. Validations of the solution strategies; 4. Concise documentation on how the strategies operate.
LARRY LESSARD
RESEARCH AREA: Composite Materials
TITLE: Automatic Fiber Placement Project
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH006
DESCRIPTION: Automatic Fiber Placement is an advanced technology for manufacturing composite structures of complex geometry. This process has recently drawn the attention of Boeing, Airbus and other world leader aircraft manufacturers, which started to fabricate large composite pars in an automated fashion with reduced human labour, improved product quality and final cost drop. Besides these advantages, AFP has desirable manufacturing capabilities not offered by other composite processes. Two key factors currently hinder the fulfillment of AFP potential. The first is a manufacturing issue that emerges with the formation of defects that have currently an unknown impact on the mechanical properties of the final product. The second is a design matter, which involves the underexploited fiber-steering capabilities that has the potential to boost the structural performance. This project aims at addressing these intertwined issues. The project is partnered with two Canadian industrial partners: Bombardier Aerospace and Composite Atlantic Limited, Canadian leaders in AFP manufacturing. NRC research center in Montreal is a research partner. This project is restricted to Canadian students.
TASKS:
The student will work with graduate students that are currently involved in the project. The student will spend some time at NRC-AMTC research center.
DELIVER:
The work in this project will help the student develop expertise in i) composite material characterization, ii) failure analysis and prediction models, iii) design and structural optimization.
XINYU LIU
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Paper-Based Microfluidic Devices for Medical Diagnostics
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH010
DESCRIPTION: Diseases and dysfunctions can be effectively treated only after they have been detected. Biologically relevant microfluidic devices and systems have tremendous potential to be used as enabling diagnostic tools and to change the practice of biomedicine. Microfluidic or Lab-on-a-Chip technologies are typically implemented on polymer-based devices, in which microchannels for fluid handling are constructed using microfabrication techniques. Recently, paper-based microfluidics (PMF) has been invented, which is a novel platform designed for point-of-care diagnosis in remote or resource-limited environments. Paper-based microfluidic devices distribute fluids in patterned hydrophilic paper channels by capillarity, and are capable of performing sensitive and specific detection of biomarkers using limited resources and infrastructures; these devices are inexpensive, portable, easy to operate, and highly affordable, and can be fabricated without requiring cleanroom facilities. In this project, two students are required for research and development of two types of PMF devices for: (1) colorimetric (Position 1) and (2) electrochemical (Position 2) immunoassays. The students will perform device design using CAD software, develop prototypes, and characterize the device performance through bioanalytical experiments. The student in Position 2 will also construct PCB circuits for signal multiplexing. Prior experience in CAD design (e.g., in AutoCAD) is required for both Positions 1 and 2. The applicants for Position 2 are also expected to understand basics of electronic circuits.
TASKS:
POSITION 1: Device design, prototyping, and testing; bioanalytical experiments.
POSITION 2: Device design, prototyping, and testing; circuit development; bioanalytical experiments.
DELIVER:
POSITION 1: A PMF prototype device capable of performing colorimetry-based, multiplexed immunoassays.
POSITION 2: A PMF prototype device that can work with a commercial glucose meter for multiplexed, electrochemical immunoassays.
LUC MONGEAU
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Histology of Rat and Rabbit Tissue
PROJECT NUMBER: ECE030
DESCRIPTION: The goal of the project is to perform histological analysis of rat and rabbit vocal fold tissue injected with different biomaterials to the composition of the tissue over time after injection. Elastin, collagen I and III, proteoglycans, GAGs
TASKS:
The student will need to learn the protocols, become familiar with the anatomy of the rat larynx, and use the resources of the bone center for embedding, cutting, staining and analyzing the stained tissue.
DELIVER:
Research poster and one final research presentation.
RESEARCH AREA: Mechanics of Materials & Structures
TITLE: Agent Based Model of Tissue Inflammation
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH029
DESCRIPTION: The goal of the project is implement an agent based model of tissue inflammation on a GPU computer platform to speed up the models and allow large scale simulations of wound healing.
TASKS:
The student will need to be familiar with computer programming, and interested in learning CUDA to program GPU processors. The student willneed to become somewhat familar with agent based, wound healing models.
DELIVER:
One research poster, and one final final oral presentation. Computer code in CUDA.
RESEARCH AREA: Biomaterials
TITLE: Analysis of the Distribution of Elastin and Collagen Within Vocal Folds
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH028
DESCRIPTION: The human vocal folds are two lips of very soft tissue across the larynx. Their function is determined by their mechanical viscoelastic properties. The VF lamina propria can be regarded as a fiber-reinforced composite material with highly non-homogenous and anisotropic behavior. In order to identify their mechanical properties, nonlinear laser scanning microscopy (NLSM) has been used to visualize their three-dimensional structure. The structure of fibrous proteins (i.e., fibers in the composite model) includes collagen fibers entangled with elastin. To quantify the amount of entanglement, there is a need to analyze the dual-channel images taken by NLSM. In this project, several image processing algorithms will be implemented to construct a code to identify the curved fibers and calculate their cross- (and auto-) correlations. MATLAB toolbox will be used in the image processing. The project is intended to compute the correlation factors for the fibrous proteins in human, porcine and rabbit vocal folds. It may help us gain a better understanding of the integration between two major families of fiber-like proteins (i.e., elastin and collagen).
TASKS:
The project is based on image processing of MPM images and the student should be familiar with MATLAB and its IMAGE toolbox.
DELIVER:
Poster for research exhibit, final powerpoint presentation for research group.
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Quantitative Comparison of Vocal Folds Vibration Pattern in Normal Vocal Folds
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH031
DESCRIPTION: Biomedical imaging has recently become an important tool in the field of otolaryngology. High speed imaging of vocal fold vibration can provide valuable information about voice production. Vibration pattern of vocal folds can provide quantitative information about the mechanical properties of the tissue, accurate area of the glottis, mucosal wave etc. Comparing the vibration patterns of normal vocal folds and pathologic ones can provide clinically important information which may be used as a diagnostic tool.
TASKS:
In this project we will perform high speed imaging of normal and pathological larynges in a voice clinic. The goal is the quantitative comparison of the vibration patterns. Vocal folds are vibrating in the range of 100-400 Hz during normal phonation. In order to have a good temporal and spatial resolution, imaging is performed with higher frequencies, up to 5000 frame per second, for human subjects. The pixel sizes will be obtained by overlapping CT/MRI data with high speed images. Using the existing codes related to edge detection of the vocal folds, vibration pattern can be quantified and edge velocity, wave propagation speed, glottis area can be calculated. These results will be combined with the (Electro Glotto Graph) EGG and (laser doppler velocimetry) LDV results.
DELIVER:
Final poster and research presentation (powerpoint)
ROSAIRE MONGRAIN
Tel.: 514-398-1576
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Flow Studies using Anthropomorphic Vascular Hydraulic Mock-Ups
PROJECT NUMBER: mech024
DESCRIPTION: Cardiovascular implants are used to replace diseased natural anatomical structures (vessels, heart valves). For example, the most commonly replaced valve is the aortic valve right at the exit the left ventricle. Mechanical valves are not yet optimal and are associated with various complications including calcification (deposition of calcium), tissue overgrowth and hemolysis (rupture of red blood cell). A better understanding of the hemodynamics (dynamics of blood flow) using numerical simulations and experiments is needed to improve their design and efficiency. The proposed project is to participate in the efforts to develop and evaluate a heart valve. The project is done in collaboration with the Montreal Heart Institute.
TASKS:
Perform in-vitro experiments using rheometer, pulsatile pump and rapid prototyping of vascular structures and phantom manufacturing and testing.
DELIVER:
Technical report
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Stent Design and Testing using Nano-Structured Materials
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH018
DESCRIPTION: An endovascular prosthesis is a cardiovascular device which is introduced into an artery to treat different vessel pathologies. For example, stents are used as scaffoldings to maintain an artery open after an angioplasty procedure where a small balloon is inflated at the obstruction site to open the narrowing (stenosis) of the vessel. When the balloon is inflated the stent expands and is pressed against the inner walls of the artery. After the balloon is deflated and removed, the stent remains in place keeping the artery open (see figure below). The proposed project is to participate in the efforts to develop and evaluate a new stent design. The project investigates the possibility to manufacture a stent using cold spray dynamics. This new technology deposits micron thick layers of nano-structured materials. The new materials exhibit interesting mechanical properties that could be advantageous for stent application. The methods used include cold spray dynamics, in-vitro experiments (tensile tests, rheometer, pulsatile pump, annealing treatment) and Finite Element Models (ANSYS software). This project is conducted in collaboration with the Quebec Heart Institutes.
TASKS:
1. Participate in the mechanical tests; 2. Participate in the annealing tests; 3. Participate in the corrosion tests; 4. Contribute to the preparation of the experimental setups ---------.
DELIVER:
Technical report
SIVA NADARAJAH
RESEARCH AREA: Aerospace Engineering
TITLE: Aerodynamic Design for Environmentally Friendly and Efficient Aircraft
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH017
DESCRIPTION: The objective of this project is to numerically investigate non-planar aircraft wings for increased aircraft efficiency through an automatic aerodynamic shape optimization approach. The current infrastructure developed at McGill is capable of modifying an aircraft wing shape to meet a specified objective. The long-term goal is to develop a framework that will allow for the optimization of complex 3D aircraft shapes with non-planar wing shapes. To meet future aircraft standards, radical redesign of current aircraft configurations are required. Our current capabilities allows us to reduce if not eliminate the wave drag due to the presence of shock waves as well as viscous drag. However, vortex drag accounts for approximately 40% of the airplane cruise drag. Current commercial aircraft utilize winglets and raked tips to reduce the vortex drag. On the other hand non-planar wings offer the possibility of larger reductions. An improved aircraft efficiency through drag reduction would ultimately reduce the required amount of fuel and thus produce a ‘Greener’ aircraft.
TASKS:
1. Numerically investigate the accuracy of the computed vortex drag by implementing several different boundary conditions on a baseline aircraft model. 2. Design several different types of aircraft wing tips and numerically compute the vortex drag as well as total drag. 3. Compare the various designs and optimize the final design to improve its overall aerodynamic performance. Frequency of Contact with Supervisor: 4-5 times per week.
DELIVER:
1. Implement two different boundary conditions to improve the accuracy of the computed vortex drag. 2. Numerically investigate several different non-planar wing concepts.
MEYER NAHON
Tel.: 514-398-2383
RESEARCH AREA: Dynamics & Control
TITLE: Testbed for Cable-Actuated Systems
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH032
DESCRIPTION: The Aerospace Mechatronics Laboratory does research in the dynamics and control of electromechanical systems for aerospace applications. One area in which there is a particular emphasis is that of cable-actuated systems. We are interested in constructing a benchtop testbed for testing control algorithms for such systems. The testbed will consist of two motors driving a mass on bearings. Design of the system includes mechanical hardware, motors, motor controllers and amplifiers, computer control and sensors (load cells, encoders, position sensors).
TASKS:
Design and construct a testbed for control of cable-actuated systems. This involves first a conceptual design; followed by a detailed design; component selection; construction; and testing.
DELIVER:
Design and completed construction of testbed.
DAMIANO PASINI
RESEARCH AREA: Bio-Engineering
TITLE: Hip Replacement Implant Made of Multifunctional Lattice Material
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH019
DESCRIPTION: We are developing a novel hip-replacement implant built of lattice materials. The implant features unprecedented structural and mechanical properties unachievable by current hip replacement implants. The implant has unique material characteristics that can simultaneously satisfy conflicting functional requirements. Its patented microstructure is designed to match the mechanical properties of the host bone, improve friction to enhance implant stability, ease bone ingrowth and vascularization, reduce bone resorption, minimize interface micromotion, and lower wear. This research project aims at transforming the implant concept into a market ready technology by going through all the technology development stages, including analysis, design, optimization, fabrication, in-vitro and in-vivo testing.
TASKS:
The task of the SURE student pertains to the mechanical testing of lattice material samples and proof-of-concept implants. We are investigating the manufacturing parameters for lattice samples fabricated with Electron Beam Melting (EBM) system. The student will execute a series of experiments to assess the minimum wall thickness of the implant lattice cell and identify the optimal size of the unit cell for post-manufacturing air-flow removal of residual particles. The wall thickness is selected to guarantee interlayer integrity since the lattice mechanical properties will be determined by the overlap between successive melted layers. Strong background in mechanical testing and material characterization. Knowledge of ProE or Solidworks, Matlab, FEA software, e.g. Ansys and Abacus, is an asset
DELIVER:
1. Identification of minimum size Electron Beam Melting (EBM) parameters for lattice implant manufacturing; 2. Characterization of stress-strain curve under static and fatigue loading of lattice samples.
INNA SHARF
RESEARCH AREA: Dynamics & Control
TITLE: Integration, Identification and Control of Rotary UAV
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH003
DESCRIPTION: Developing autonomous landing capabilities for a small, unmanned aerial vehicle, the Draganflyer X8 platform. The X8 is an off-the-shelf rotary vehicle procured from Draganfly Innovations Inc. The work of Professor Sharf’s group falls into DRDC’s long-term plan to develop small, highly maneuverable UAVs for deployment in urban environments where these vehicles would be deployed to construct accurate maps for use by security personnel on the ground and by ground vehicles. Operation of these UAVs needs to be made more autonomous in order to reduce operator load in flying these systems.
Substantial progress has been made on the project in terms of integration of additional sensors and hardware on the X8 vehicle (MECH 463 project is currently under way on this aspect of the project). The additional sensors will be used to achieve autonomous localization of the vehicle based on the algorithms currently being developed by one of Sharf’s PhD students. Another MEng student is researching the navigation algorithms for the vehicle to achieve landing on a moving ground target. As well, a simulator of the X8 has been developed to allow virtual testing and evaluation of the localization, navigation and control algorithms for the vehicle. Work in the summer of 2012 will involve further integration and testing of the vehicle, with some tests conducted in the Aerospace Mechatronics Laboratory, but also in larger indoor spaces and outdoors. The student to be recruited for this position will be expected to assist with necessary testing and integration. In addition, further development of the simulator will be conducted, including validation of the simulator against experiments to ascertain the accuracy of different aspects of the simulation. The simulator requires several inputs related to the aerodynamic properties of the vehicle (e.g., drag coefficient). The simulator also incorporates a basic model of the ground effect, currently taken from the literature. Identification experiments will need to be conducted to obtain the required inputs to the simulator and to improve the ground effect modeling. The student is expected to plan and conduct the identification and validation experiments. The student sought for this position should be a senior undergraduate or a graduating student, ideally having taken MECH 513 and MECH 532 courses.
TASKS:
1. Assist with remaining integration tasks for X8 vehicle; 2. Prepare and assist with flight tests of the vehicle; 3. Plan and conduct identification experiments to determine required aerodynamic parameters for the vehicle.
DELIVER:
Report summarizing identification experiments and results.
SRIKAR VENGALLATORE
RESEARCH AREA: Energy
TITLE: Energy Harvesting for Portable Applications
PROJECT NUMBER: MECH016
DESCRIPTION: Portable electronic devices (such as cell phones) have made a profound impact on our society and economy due to their widespread use for computation, communications, and entertainment. The performance and autonomy of these devices can be improved greatly if we can reduce or remove the need to replace or recharge the electrochemical batteries that supply electrical power. This is a challenging problem. In this project, we will explore the possibility of powering portable devices using energy that is harvested from the environment. The ultimate goals are to design, manufacture, and test energy harvesters with a focus on microscale engines and pyroelectric microdevices for waste heat recovery and miniaturized piezoelectric vibration energy harvesters. These miniaturized energy harvesters have a volume of about 1 cubic centimetre. The design space for these devices is largely unexplored and the ultimate limits of their performance are currently unknown. Filling these gaps in knowledge is a major goal of this project.
TASKS:
Undertake a critical survey of the literature; develop designs; analyze and test performance; attend weekly research meetings.
DELIVER:
Prepare a detailed and professional progress report each month; Attend all SURE events; Prepare a poster by the end of July.