Aluminium smelter are energy intensive and not particularly energy efficient, as most of the energy required to produce aluminium is lost along the production line. This is the reason why it is mandatory to perform a detailed analysis of the thermal wastes produced in these factories. The main objective of this project is to investigate the solutions to recover the thermal wastes and to convert them into useful power.

During taxiing, takeoff or landing, parts of the landing gear of a commercial plane can undesirably oscillate. This is often the cause of premature wear of certain components. To reduce the impact of this phenomenon, the landing gear designers integrate mechanical elements whose function is to dissipate the kinetic energy associated with these undesirable oscillations. The objective of this project is to design an actuator using magneto-rheological fluid to replace these mechanical elements of the landing gear.

Exonetik and Bell Helicopter are developing a new technology providing force feedback to helicopter pilots, improving both safety and quality of flight. The technology will soon be tested in flight but preliminary qualification tests in laboratory must first be performed. In collaboration with Exonetik engineers, the intern will participate in the planning and execution of these qualification test as well as interpreting results and proposing design modifications as needed.

We are all well aware of the spectacular improvement in life-expectancy around the world since the 1990’s. While most people would agree that living longer is a good thing, it nonetheless increases the risk of having people outlive their assets so that they become forced to accept lower standards of living in old age. People with a defined benefit pension plan or people with a life annuity contract have transferred their individual “longevity risk” to their Pension Fund or to an Insurance Company.

Iron-overload disorders, such as hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) and beta-thalassemia, develops when the body absorbs excessive iron over years. They are quite common with a prevalence of 1/200 in population of northern-European ancestry and 1/500 worldwide respectively. Without treatment, iron-overload can lead to diabetes, heart disease or cirrhosis. Main treatment for HH is phlebotomy and patients need frequent visits in clinic.

Jet noise is still the main contributor in airplane noise at take-off, which has been shown to induce health problems in the residents near airports that are now embedded in most large cities such as Toronto or Montreal. Engine manufacturers are now considering the Ultra-High Bypass Ratio (UHBR) type engine to further reduce noise. Yet the UHBR is a large shrouded fan configuration, having strong interactions with wings while integrated into the airframe.

Better light collection by photodetectors would automatically improve signal to noise ratio and photodetector performance. For example, for the positron emission tomography application, it would result in a better image quality for a lower dose. The main cause of the light loss is too much reflection of light that is trying to travel from the light source into the semiconductor light sensor.