Metal-based direct energy deposition processes, such as robotic welding and laser powder fed additive manufacturing, ideally require feedback sensing of the deposition quality using vision detectors. Image processing algorithms are challenging to develop due to changing process operating conditions. Despite challenges, implementing in-process image processing algorithms is beneficial for traceability and quality assurance, for calibrating […]

Among various types of graphitic nanomaterials, graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have ignited tremendous interest in the past few years owing to their small lateral size, quantum confinement, and large perimeter per mass. GQDs are categorized based on their emitting colors (e.g. blue, green, yellow, red and white). Among various emitting colors, GQDs with blue and […]

Polyurethane is a class of polymers with the potential of foaming and with excellent mechanical and thermal properties. However, in order to use PU in advanced applications, its physical properties must be improved. Accordingly, in this research proposal, we plan to incorporate graphene oxide (GO), a derivative of graphene, into polyurethane foam to improve its […]

The scope of this research is to provide a comprehensive recipe for powder-fed laser additive manufacturing (PF-LAM) of H13 tool steel. The H13 components manufactured by PF-LAM can potentially show superior mechanical properties as compared to H13 steel manufactured by conventional methods; however, the process optimization is requisite to achieve the additively manufactured H13 tool […]

The Suncor/McMaster partnership is generating a pipeline of novel, green, agricultural chemicals to be applied as crop sprays. One of the challenges with treating plants by spraying leaves (foliar treatment) is targeting the transport of the active ingredients (AI) to specific parts of the plant. An example is preventing bacterial growth in the xylem, channels […]

During night shifts, workers’ circadian rhythms (or “body clocks”) do not align with their work schedules. This misalignment results in poorer sleep and more workplace errors relative to working during the day. It is possible to align the body clock to night shift schedules by controlling one’s exposure to light. However, the effectiveness of this […]

Rapidia has developed a water-based approach to metal 3D printing that is faster, simpler, and more cost effective than the current systems on the market. This novel approach enables printed parts to be sintered directly, eliminating the time- and chemically- intensive intermediate de-binding step required for other processes. In order to implement this technique, the […]

The main objective of this internship is to build a software tool, which will be incorporated on board a test aircraft, in order to indicate to the pilot areas where the cosmic radiation intensity and energy could affect the immunity of electronic modules installed onboard aircraft. For analysis and design purposes, the measurement system inside […]

Large network operators have to deal with dynamic network service changes, including scheduled or unscheduled outages, while keeping efficient service levels with different requirements. Currently available restoration techniques remain limited to after the fact detection of hard or catastrophic failures when the service has already been impacted. Machine learning technologies have been explored as a […]

Small surgical instruments can be used multiple times if cleaned properly after each surgery. At the end of the cleaning process, a visual inspection of each instrument is performed in order to detect any traces of soil such as blood, tissue or any other biological materials. However, the human eye is not a flawless sensor […]

The voltage source converter VSC mimicking the behavior of a synchronous machine provides many advantages for grid operation. This “virtual synchronous generator (VSG)” will be implemented as a real-time simulator model on the RTDS simulator and used to investigate several operating scenarios. The VS G behaves like a synchronous machine, which is one of the […]

Deep learning in computer vision has set new standards in mobile and web-based applications. The power of learning-based computer vision has also tremendous potential in machine vision. Traditionally, machine vision in manufacturing employs analytic solutions often resulting in excellent accuracy but poor robustness. The goal of this project is to increase robustness of a vision-based […]