Flaw growth thresholds in composites

A new generation of composites-intensive aircraft designs promises to dramatically accelerate the growth of a market currently valued at more than $7 billion (USD). The objective of this research program is to propose experimental and modeling methodologies to determine endurance limit for damage onset in composite based on fracture mechanics and fatigue crack initiation monitoring […]

Read More
Experimental investigation of the flow fields within novel compact compressor stages

The aim of the internship is to conduct airflow velocity and turbulence measurements within a novel, compact aircraft engine compressor stage, using a non-intrusive technique, and then compare the results with those obtained from numerical (computational fluid dynamics, CFD) models, thereby developing an understanding as to how the different models deal with turbulence and with […]

Read More
Combined Building Integrated PV/Thermal (BIPV/T) collector for net-zero energy building applications

Incorporating the Two-stage Variable Capacity Air Source Heat Pump (TS-VC-ASHP) into Building Integrated Photovoltaic/Thermal (BIPV/T) system has the potential to reduce building heating and cooling costs and dependence on non-renewable heating fuels. ASHPs could boost the quality and quantity of heat output of a BIPV/T system by delivering a seasonal Coefficient of Performance (COP) of […]

Read More
Development of model for high temperature composite materials used in aerospace

The use of composite materials for high temperature aerospace applications requires new studies in order to better understand the behaviour of these novel materials, and to generate appropriate design tools. The main goals of this project are to develop a set of numerical tools that will be used to predict the fatigue behaviour of advanced […]

Read More
A camera stabilization gimbal system for a small unmanned aerial vehicle

Remote industrial installations and other areas requiring surveillance can be monitored effectively by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). UAVs are remotely operated, with on-board camera systems. Fixed camera systems are of limited use, because the field of view is limited to the direction in which the aircraft is flying, which continually changes as the aircraft […]

Read More
Extended product lifecycle management through social computing technologies

This study will present a method for improving informal information flow during product development process in aerospace industries using social computing tools. In actual engineering information exchange, the knowledge is transmitted informally around the coffee machine or through a formal document in the process. In contrast, the author presents a method for proactive participation of […]

Read More
Experimental and numerical analysis of heat transfer in CVD Coated Carbide Tools

Quantitative assessment of the thermal role and wear characteristics of multi-layer coatings in cutting tools is approached through the analysis of mechanical contact problem at the tool-chip interface and the constriction resistance phenomenon. The micro-contact configuration on the surface asperity level and the macro-contact configuration (contact pressure distribution and the size of the adhesion and […]

Read More
Shot peening for fatigue life improvement and forming of aerospace structures

The principle objective of this collaborative project is to develop in collaboration with the industrial partners novel methodologies for characterizing the shot peening and peen forming processes. One part of the program is devoted to establish analytical and numerical models for the prediction of the shot peening and peen forming processes. Experimental campaigns are planned […]

Read More
Feasibility study of dual input clamp undir DC-DC converter for 737 SPU replacement

The main objective of this project is to a) investigate feasibility and suitability of a new proposed DC-DC converter based on a novel “Dual Input Clamp Unidir DC-DC Converter”, and b) validate and quantify its projected benefits including reduced parts count, higher efficiency, lighter weight and more reliable as compared to existing commercial products. Cost-effective, […]

Read More
Development of a fully automated refuse collection system

The proposed project involves the development of a fully automated system for municipal waste collection. We will develop a ruggedized vision-based control system and a truck-mounted robot to pick up municipal waste containers and deposit their contents into the back of a standard waste collection vehicle. The solution is envisioned as an add-on for existing […]

Read More
Compressor load optimization

One of the main issues for automakers in today’s green economy is ensuring their vehicles have the highest fuel economy possible in order to deal with constantly increasing fuel costs. The improved fuel efficiency of vehicles provides money savings for customers, reduced carbon dioxide emissions, less dependency on oil, and lastly increased energy sustainability. The […]

Read More