Projectlist Free Agent

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MECH 463 – Project list ACADEMIC PROJECTS 1 P# 1 - 3D septoplasty surgical simulation model 1 P# 2 - Bio-computation using biological agents 3 P# 3 - The Capture Concentration and Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity with a 1 HP Engine 4 P# 4 - A mechatronic system for underwater X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry 5 P# 5 - The Capture Concentration and Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity with a 10 HP 6 P# 6 - Capillary microfluidics 7 P# 7 - Continued development catheter-based mitral valve repair approach 8 P# 8 - Conclusion of electric ATV conversion 10 P# 9 - Design of a Graded Cellular Cervical Fusion Cage to Minimize Implant Subsidence 11 P# 10 - Development of a phono-mimetic bioreactor platform for studying vocal fold tissue engineering and mechanobiology 12 P# 11 - Development of an acoustic isolation chamber for an ultrahigh resolution atomic force microscope 14 P# 12 - Droplet microfluidics 16 P# 13 - Experimental test-bed for studying the net capture of tumbling objects 17 P# 14 - Lattice Materials for a Low Thermal Expansion Strut of a Satellite Antenna 18 P# 15 - Rare cell enrichment 20 P# 16 - Virtual cellular wood tissue 21 STUDENT COMPETITIONS 22 P# 17 - CFRP oil and fuel tanks for a Formula SAE Vehicle 22 P# 18 - CFRP steering wheel analysis and design for a Formula SAE Vehicle 23 P# 19 - Implementation of a differential and motor coupling for Mcgill electric race car 24 P# 20 - Optimized suspension frame mounts for a Formula SAE Vehicle 25 INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS 26 P# 21 - Activation sensor 26 P# 22 - New motion tracking technology for Welding Simulator 27 P# 23 - Rotational joint cost reduction & redesign 29 P# 24 - Analysis of the three dimensional deformation of the end of the steel profile and the development of design concept for the automatic end straightener 30 P# 25 - The engineering evaluation of a novel and improved geothermal heating system 31 P# 26 - Development of a Non-Contact Vibration Exciter (academic) 32

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Transcript of Projectlist Free Agent

Page 1: Projectlist Free Agent

MECH 463 – Project list

ACADEMIC PROJECTS 1 P# 1 - 3D septoplasty surgical simulation model 1 P# 2 - Bio-computation using biological agents 3 P# 3 - The Capture Concentration and Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity with a 1 HP Engine 4 P# 4 - A mechatronic system for underwater X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry 5 P# 5 - The Capture Concentration and Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity with a 10 HP 6 P# 6 - Capillary microfluidics 7 P# 7 - Continued development catheter-based mitral valve repair approach 8 P# 8 - Conclusion of electric ATV conversion 10 P# 9 - Design of a Graded Cellular Cervical Fusion Cage to Minimize Implant Subsidence 11 P# 10 - Development of a phono-mimetic bioreactor platform for studying vocal fold tissue

engineering and mechanobiology 12 P# 11 - Development of an acoustic isolation chamber for an ultrahigh resolution atomic force

microscope 14 P# 12 - Droplet microfluidics 16 P# 13 - Experimental test-bed for studying the net capture of tumbling objects 17 P# 14 - Lattice Materials for a Low Thermal Expansion Strut of a Satellite Antenna 18 P# 15 - Rare cell enrichment 20 P# 16 - Virtual cellular wood tissue 21

STUDENT COMPETITIONS 22 P# 17 - CFRP oil and fuel tanks for a Formula SAE Vehicle 22 P# 18 - CFRP steering wheel analysis and design for a Formula SAE Vehicle 23 P# 19 - Implementation of a differential and motor coupling for Mcgill electric race car 24 P# 20 - Optimized suspension frame mounts for a Formula SAE Vehicle 25

INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS 26 P# 21 - Activation sensor 26 P# 22 - New motion tracking technology for Welding Simulator 27 P# 23 - Rotational joint cost reduction & redesign 29 P# 24 - Analysis of the three dimensional deformation of the end of the steel profile and the

development of design concept for the automatic end straightener 30 P# 25 - The engineering evaluation of a novel and improved geothermal heating system 31 P# 26 - Development of a Non-Contact Vibration Exciter (academic) 32

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ACADEMIC PROJECTS

P# 1 - 3D septoplasty surgical simulation model

Clients

Lily HP Nguyen, MDCM, MSc, FRCSC

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

McGill University, Montreal Children's Hospital

2300 Tupper Ave, Rm B240 | Montreal, QC | H3H 1P3

Email: [email protected] | Office: 514-412-4400 ext 25302

Marc A. Tewfik, MDCM, MSc, FRCSC

Assistant Professor of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery

McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Room E4-41

687 Pins Ave W | Montreal, QC | H3A 1A1

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 934-1934 ext 34971

Dr Mahmoud Abdullah AlReefi, Demonstrator

Dept of Otolaryngology | King AbdulAziz Univeristy | Rabigh | Saudi Arabia

Email [email protected] | Office: (514) 570-8390

Description

The objective of this project is to develop a physical 3D replica that can help

otolaryngology trainees practice septoplasty surgery. Septoplasty is a commonly

performed surgery to fix a deviated or crooked nasal septum. The nasal septum is the wall

that separates the right and left nasal cavities. When deviated to one side, it prevents the

normal airflow through the nose and the patient will typically complain of a “blocked

nose”. Septoplasty aims to straighten this deviation and relieve nasal obstruction.

The nasal septum consists of three portions: 1) a flexible rubbery cartilage at the front, 2)

a thin bone (approximately 1-2mm thickness) called "Ethmoid” bone at the back, and 3) a

harder bone ridge called the "Vomer" at the bottom (consult fig.1) All of these structures

are covered by a very thin (approximately 0.5mm) but firm membrane called the

"perichondrium". Then there is a final superficial layer called the "Mucous Membrane"

which is soft, fragile and approximately 2mm thick.

The basic steps of the surgery are to 1) make a vertical incision through the mucous

membrane and perichondrium; 2) separate the pericondrium from the cartilage and bone,

thereby creating a pocket; and 3) remove select portions of the cartilage and bone,

allowing the remaining septum to sit back in the midline.

This surgery is considered a challenge to teach trainees for the following reasons:

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It is performed in a relatively narrow pocket deep in the nose, thereby difficult for

both the student to observe and for the teacher to supervise

The mucosa must be not separated from the perichondrium or else it will tear.

Excessive removal can result in cosmetic deformities.

Traumatic removals can result in septal perforations, and injury to the dura (lining

of the brain).

Inadequate removal will not relieve symptoms of nasal obstruction.

The goal for this project is to design a life-size replica of a nose and nasal cavities

(replicating the accurately detailed anatomy of the septum, including cartilage, bone,

perichondrium and mucus membrane components) via 3D printing technology. This will

be based on medical imaging (CT scan) data. The resulting model can be installed and

secured into a head-shaped holder and offer a reliable and low cost training model.

Fig.1 - lateral view of the nasal septum.

"Gray854". Licensed under Public domain via Wikimedia Commons -

http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Gray854.png#mediaviewer/File:Gray854.png

Contact persons

Profs Yaoyao Zhao (3D printing) and Luc Mongeau (Biomechanics)

Budget

$1,500

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P# 2 - Bio-computation using biological agents

Client & contact person

Prof Dan Nicolau

Dept of Bioengineering, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 375

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-8261

Description

Many mathematical and real-life problems, e.g., travel and production scheduling, traffic

networks, cannot, or are very difficult to be solved by the present computers which

process the information sequentially and with extreme precision. Despite this difficulty,

these problems are solved easily by individual biological agents, from microorganisms to

humans, who do not process the information sequentially, but in parallel, and who trade

precision for heuristic decision making.

The project aims to assess the individual and collective ‘computational power’ of

individual biological agents in optimally partitioning the available space and taking

optimal decisions. The project involves the following modules: (i) design of a physical

network of interest, e.g., metro network in Montreal, highways network in Quebec; (ii)

fabrication of that network, at the microscale, by 3D stereo-lithography and/or PDMS

replication; (iii) incubation of the micro-sized network with simple, non-pathogenic

microorganisms, e.g., bacteria; (iv) observation, by optical microscopy, of the preferred

traffic pathways in different setups of the networks; (v) re-design of upgraded networks

and demonstration of more fluent traffic of a real-life traffic network. Many other

variations of the concepts are possible. Please consult to the following additional

informational video links.

Additional video information:

1. http://videolectures.net/eccs07_nakagaki_oas/

2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F79D_YWXycI

3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eas2zOSKIaQ

4. http://www.youtube.com/user/BionanoinfoLiverpool

Budget

$30,000 (depending on project output)

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P# 3 - The Capture Concentration and Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity with a 1 HP Engine

Clients & contact persons

Assoc Prof Frank Mucciardi

Dept of Mining & Materials Eng, Wong Bldg, Room 2M030

McGill University | 3610 University St | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C5

[email protected] | Phone: (514) 398-1329

Prof Ferri Hassani

Dept of Mining Eng, Frank Dawson Adams Bldg, Room 109

McGill University | 3450 Univeristy St | Montreal, QC | H3A 0E8

Email: [email protected] | Phone: (514) 398-8060

Description

Waste heat especially of the low grade variety (e.g. 200oC to 400oC) is abundant in the

majority of metallurgical operations. Most of this heat is dissipated to the environment.

Our objective is to recover some of this heat and convert it to electricity. To do this we

have devised a process whereby the waste heat is captured, concentrated and converted to

electricity, which is used by the plant. In this way, one requires no fuel to make the

electricity and one does not need an external distribution network for the electricity. A

schematic of the process is attached.

Three engines (piston/cylinder configuration – external combustion) have been acquired

that are rated as 1HP (Chinese), 3 HP (American) and 10 HP (Indian). At this time we

have most of the components, however they need to be connected together. A test

program needs to be developed and implemented.

This group will work with the 1 HP engine, which is a one-cylinder unit. The overall

objective will be to assess the efficiency of the process and to evaluate the economic

viability.

Budget

$3,000 (may increase based on project output)

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P# 4 - A mechatronic system for underwater X-Ray fluorescence spectrometry

Clients & contact persons

Prof. Xinyu Liu

Department of Mechanical Engineering, McGill University, Macdonald Engineering

Building Room MD155

McGill University | 817 Sherbrooke Street West | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

[email protected] | Phone: (514)-398-1526

Description

X-ray fluorecence (XRF) spectrometry is an analytical technique for non-destructive

elemental analysis of a variety of materials such as metals, rocks, minerals, and

sediments, and fluids. There is an urgent need from academia and industries for a

waterproof enclosure system for accommodating a handheld XRF spectrometer and

performing underwater measurements (e.g., for analyzing sock, soil, and artifacts).

This project will design a self-regulated mechatronic system for this purpose. The major

tasks include: (i) design and finite element analysis of a waterproof mechanical housing

for a handheld XRF spectrometer to sustain 3 atmosphere pressure; (ii) development of a

feedback control pressure controller for regulating the internal pressure of the XRF

spectrometer; (iii) design and implement a waterproof physical user interface (with ~5

keys) for underwater communication between a user (outside the enclosure) and a tablet

(inside the enclosure); and (iv) system integration and testing.

Budget

$3,000

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P# 5 - The Capture Concentration and Conversion of Waste Heat to Electricity with a 10 HP

Clients & contact persons

Assoc Prof Frank Mucciardi

Dept of Mining & Materials Eng, Wong Bldg, Room 2M030

McGill University | 3610 University St | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C5

[email protected] | Phone: (514) 398-1329

Prof Ferri Hassani

Dept of Mining Eng, Frank Dawson Adams Bldg, Room 109

McGill University | 3450 Univeristy St | Montreal, QC | H3A 0E8

Email: [email protected] | Phone: (514) 398-8060

Description

Waste heat especially of the low grade variety (e.g. 200oC to 400oC) is abundant in the

majority of metallurgical operations. Most of this heat is dissipated to the environment.

Our objective is to recover some of this heat and convert it to electricity. To do this we

have devised a process whereby the waste heat is captured, concentrated and converted to

electricity which is used by the plant. In this way, one requires no fuel to make the

electricity and one does not need an external distribution network for the electricity. A

schematic of the process is attached.

Three engines (piston/cylinder configuration – external combustion) have been acquired

that are rated as 1HP (Chinese), 3 HP (American) and 10 HP (Indian). At this time we

have most of the components, however they need to be connected together. A test

program needs to be developed and implemented.

This group will work with the 10 HP engine which is a two cylinder unit. The overall

objective will be to assess the efficiency of the process and to evaluate the economic

viability.

Budget

$3,000 (may increase based on project output)

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P# 6 - Capillary microfluidics

Client & contact person

Ayokunle Olanrewaju, PhD Candidate

McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Dept of Biomedical Eng

McGill University | 740 Penfield Dr | Montreal, QC | H3A 0G1

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-4400 ext 09012

Description

Our lab recently developed pre-programmed, self-powered microfluidic circuits, built

from capillary elements, for automated biochemical assays. However, the most

commonly used microfluidic prototyping material – Polydimethylsiloxane, a silicone

rubber – is not inherently wettable and when plasma-treated to make it hydrophilic,

gradually reverts to its hydrophobic form. The goal of this project is to fabricate capillary

microfluidic devices with polymeric materials that have stable hydrophilic surfaces and

can be rapidly prototyped in a laboratory setting. This will require work on soft

lithography and surface chemistry. We are seeking a team of undergraduate students with

a physics/chemistry or a chemical/mechanical/material engineering background and that

has expertise in one or several of the above research areas.

Major activities:

Evaluate different polymeric materials for device fabrication including:

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), Norland Optical Adhesive (NOA), and Off-

Stochiometric Thiolene Polymer (OSTE).

Investigate methods for modifying surface chemistry of polymers to obtain stable

hydrophilic surface.

Soft-lithography and rapid prototyping.

Microfabrication and CAD design.

Assets:

Fundamental background in chemistry and surface chemistry.

Experience working with polymers, soft lithography and rapid prototyping.

Strong ability to design experiments and work in a laboratory setting.

Some background and theory in fluid mechanics (and microfluidics) is helpful.

Budget

TBA

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P# 7 - Continued development catheter-based mitral valve repair approach

Client

Assoc Prof Renzo Cecere, Head of Cardiac Surgery MUHC

McGill University, Royal Victoria Hospital, Room S8-76A

687 Pins Ave W | Montreal, QC | H3A 1A1

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 843-1463 ext 31463

Description

Mitral valve Regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular that occurs when the valve leaks

back blood into the left atrium. When left untreated it leads to a decrease in the quality of

life of patients and can lead to heart failure.

Our team is developing a novel percutaneous repair procedure for the mitral valve that

mimics the golden standard and that would allow to treat many patients with severe MR

that are currently not candidate for surgery due to the invasiveness and risk of the open-

heart approach , all the while reducing their recovery times and hospitalization costs.

These patients account for more than 50% of the population diagnosed with severe MR.

Version 1:

Version 2:

The medical device is composed primarily of two components: a deployment tool fitted

on a catheter and an implant that stays on the valve annulus. Over the past two years the

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deployment tool has seen tremendous progress from a handheld version of the tool to a

catheter-based version, all pictured below.

The implant is a stainless steel 316L tube laser-cut into alternating anchoring and

compression sections which can be passed through a catheter and then shaped into a ring.

It currently is in its version 4.

Objectives:

I) (open heart)Up until now, all the test have been made on excised porcine

heart. The team‘s task will be to finalize both implant and catheter tool to

ready them for live animal implantations in an open heart procedure via a mini

incision using a modified handheld version of the tool.

II) (catheter version) We currently are facing the challenge of mating the implant

with the deployment tool in a limited volume inside the atrium. While we

have a set of possible solutions, we anticipate several brainstorming sessions

that will generate additional concepts allowing implantation via catheter.

Deliverables:

Phase 1: Next iteration of deployment tool and implant for open-heart live animal trials

Phase 2: Next iteration of catheter that surmounts a key challenge.

Contact persons

Assoc Prof Renzo Cecere and Toufic Azar, PhD candidate

Budget

$2,000 to 3,000

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P# 8 - Conclusion of electric ATV conversion

Client & contact person

Martin Duval, Manager, Services & Security

Gault Nature Reserve of McGill University

McGill University | 422 Chemin des Moulins | Mont-Saint-Hilaire, QC | J3G 4S6

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-8393 | Cell: (514) 944-9572

Description

The Gault Nature Reserve in Mont-Saint-Hilaire of McGill University is a private

conservation reserve that protects the primeval forests of the St. Lawrence Valley. Its

multitude of walking trails (25 km) throughout the reserve is a year-round tourist

attraction, receiving up to a few thousand visitors on a given day. This Monteregian hill

has an altitude of 415 m. Also used as a research field station and field courses for

McGill and other universities.

The daily maintenance on the Gault Reserve is mostly done by ATV’s. These powerful 4-

wheel vehicles are capable of transporting one or two passengers, as well as a trailer full

of gear around the grounds, including uphill some of the hiking trails, to carry out the

everyday upkeep. The objective of our project is to transform a gas powered ATV to

electric power for the Gault Nature Reserve so that they could perform their routine

maintenance and logistics tasks in an environment friendly manner.

Fall 2010, a first team worked on the problem definition in the course MECH 493

Spring 2011, a second team worked on the detail drawings in the course MECH 463

At this stage, the project is not completed, a complete revision of the project needs to be

done to achieve the goal. Bombardier (Can-am) has donated a frame of an ATV

Outlander.

Budget

$10,500 (From McGill Sustainable Office and Gault Nature Reserve)

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P# 9 - Design of a Graded Cellular Cervical Fusion Cage to Minimize Implant Subsidence

Client & contact person

Prof Damiano Pasini

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 372

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-6295 | pasini.ca

Description

Degradation of the intervertebral disc (IVD) can cause severe patient pain and limit

spinal motion. If conservative treatment fails, an intervertebral fusion may be required.

This treatment involves removing the degenerated IVD and replacing it with a fusion

cage and bone grafts to fuse the adjoining vertebrae. However, fusion cage subsidence

into the anterior aspect of the inferior vertebral body is a major concern of current fully

solid standalone fusion cage designs.

The goal of this project is to develop a cervical fusion cage using a micro truss structure

with variable material properties to limit cage subsidence while simultaneously providing

sufficient structural support.

The project will include the following activities:

Detailed CAD design of implant geometry

Finite element model of the functional spinal

unit with the cervical fusion cage implanted, and

creation of a numerical model to predict implant

subsidence.

Optimization of the material property

distribution of the cellular cage based on the created

model.

Design and implementation of a protocol to

manufacture the microtruss using direct metal laser

sintering additive manufacturing procedures.

Development of an in-vitro test to corroborate

improvements seen in the model benchmarked to

existing implants.

Budget

TBA

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P# 10 - Development of a phono-mimetic bioreactor platform for studying vocal fold tissue engineering and mechanobiology

Client & contact person

Prof Luc Mongeau, Chair

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 458

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-2777

Description

The objective of the proposed project is to develop a vocal fold (VF) bioreactor, which

mimics the physio-biological and mechanical conditions of live VF tissue.

Voice production involves self-sustained oscillations of the VFs. The most recalcitrant

disease conditions affecting voice are those in which part of the mucosa is lost or

replaced by stiff fibrous tissue. In such cases, injectable biomaterials are used to

regenerate functional VF tissue. The remodeling process by which the neo-extracellular

matrix (ECM) matures into an anisotropic structure with viscoelastic properties suitable

for VF oscillation depends on: 1) the chemical composition and microstructure of the

injected material; and 2) on the mechanical loads acting on the engineered lamina

propria. Currently, we do not thoroughly understand the influence of the interaction

between scaffold composition and mechanical excitation on the ECM production and

remodeling or the eventual tissue elasticity. To gain such understanding, a phono-

mimetic vocal fold bioreactor is required.

Our bioreactor should produce mechanical forces and deformations that are similar to

those in human phonation. We will quantify the influence of laryngeal morphology,

lamina propria viscoelasticity, and laryngeal posture on voice fundamental frequency,

onset pressure, and other key phonation metrics.

Currently a vocal fold bioreactor has been designed and validated. The proposed project

aims to improve the design of the current bioreactor considering the following issues: 1)

to speed up the bioreactor replica and case fabrication procedures, and develop

manufacturing procedures to fabricate a large number of synthetic replicas in a short time

period; 2) to improve the cell culture medium hydraulic loop in order to automatically

control the flow rate, and the relative volume of the fresh and used medium in the

circulating flow; 3) to design a hydraulic loop that facilitates the operation of a number of

bioreactors in parallel; 4) to add strain gages, thermocouples and PH meters to the

bioreactor setup that will increase our control over the mechanical and biological state of

the cells cultured inside the bioreactor; 5) finally, to design a phonatory system in which

we will be able to phonate a group of bioreactors at the same time.

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Fig 1 – The vocal fold bioreactor. Synthetic vocal folds (A & B) were mounted into a custom-built bioreactor (C, D & E). Blue arrows indicate the airflow direction through the bioreactor airflow channel during phonation.

Budget

$1,500

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P# 11 - Development of an acoustic isolation chamber for an ultrahigh resolution atomic force microscope

Client & contact persons

Prof Luc Mongeau, Chair

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 458

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-2777

Description

The objective of the proposed project is to develop an acoustic enclosure chamber to

improve the performance of an atomic force microscope.

Atomic force microscope (AFM) is a versatile tool for nano-scale characterization of

materials. An AFM has five main components as shown in figure1: 1- A sharp tip

mounted on a cantilever spring 2- A sensor to measure the force by sensing the deflection

of the cantilever 3- A feedback control system for the controlling the interaction force

between an AFM probe and surface 4- A raster scanning system that can move the

sample with respect to the tip in a 3 dimensional pattern. 5- A display system to convert

the measured data into an image. An atomic force microscope can measure topographical

features in sub-nanometer scale and can measure force in piconewton range by measuring

the deflection of the cantilever. AFM operates in different modes depending on the

distance and the interaction forces between the AFM tip and a sample’s surface. In

contact mode, the tip apex is in direct contact with sample’s surface. In this mode, the

separation distance is usually less than 0.5 nm and the force on the tip is repulsive. Soft

cantilevers with small stiffness are usually used in contact mode to allow high sensitivity

and avoid the damage caused by the tip on the sample. In intermittent mode (tapping

mode), the cantilever is oscillated at near its resonant frequency in a separation distance

of 0.5-2 nm. Constant oscillation amplitude is maintained constant through feedback

control system to obtain an image of the surface. In this mode, the tip taps on the surface

with a slight force. Relative vibrations of the probe above the surface establish the

vertical resolution in an AFM. Sources for vibrations are acoustic noise, floor vibrations,

and thermal vibrations. Getting the maximum vertical resolution requires minimizing the

vibrations of the instrument. Therefore, an acoustic enclosure is needed to optimize an

AFM’s performance (Figure 2).

An AFM system is highly sensitive to the noise of the environment and isolation from the

lab environment plays an important role in image and measurement quality. Currently we

have purchased a new AFM system with ultrahigh resolution capacity on an inverted

fluorescent microscope. The goal is to build an isolation chamber with certain

characteristics and specification such as: 1-Inner dimensions:

1000mm×1000mm×1000mm 2- Four openings (diameter 75mm) for cable access 3-

Overall acoustic noise reduction of 30 dB. 4- Windows for measurements in dark 5-

Cleaning capabilities for use with cells and other biological materials.

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Fig 1 – Schematic of an AFM

Fig 2 – Commercially available acoustic disclosure chambers from (a) Asylum research and (b) JPK,

(a)http://www.asylumresearch.com/Products/VibrationIsolation/VibrationIsolation.shtml#BCH45 (b) http://www.jpk.com/jpk-product-note-acoustic-enclosure.

Budget

$1,500

Photodiode sensor

∆V

Laser

AFM cantilever

Actu

atio

n S

ign

als

Z-scanner

X

Y

XY-scanner Sample

PID Control unit

Feedback signal

Computer

Amplifier

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P# 12 - Droplet microfluidics

Client & contact person

Milad Dagher, PhD candidate

McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Dept of Biomedical Eng

McGill University | 740 Penfield Dr | Montreal, QC | H3A 0G1

Email: [email protected]

Description

Our goal is to create a microfluidic device for probing single cancer cells encapsulated

into hydrogel particles. Specifically, we want to improve the design and functionality of

our microfluidic device for on chip encapsulation and manipulation of the cells.

Major activities:

CAD design

Microfabrication, soft-lithography, rapid prototyping

3D printing

Droplet microfluidics

Surface chemistry

Budget

TBA

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P# 13 - Experimental test-bed for studying the net capture of tumbling objects

Clients & contact persons

Prof Inna Sharf and Eleonora Botta, PhD candidate

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 148

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-1711

Email: [email protected]

Description

The main focus of the research concerns active debris removal strategies of space debris.

Specifically, the concept of using tethered nets to capture and subsequently dispose of the

debris is being investigated. In this scenario, a net at the end of a tether would be ejected

and deployed towards the debris, subsequently enveloping the debris. The tether would

then be retrieved and a de-orbiting maneuver initiated. Currently, a models and

simulation tools are being developed to allow simulation and analysis of the debris

capture and disposal mission under different conditions.

A complicating aspect of the space debris capture and removal mission is the fact that the

debris is often tumbling or spinning. In this light, the goal is to develop a test-bed to gain

some understanding of the dynamics response of the system when a net captures

tumbling debris. We envision the test-bed to be comprised of a net, mock-up debris,

cable/tether supporting the net and instrumentation to measure the response of the

system. Complicating factors to consider in developing the test-bed are: presence of

gravity and hence how to emulate free-floating conditions, aerodynamic drag (expected

important for the net), how to produce tumbling motion of the debris to allow

experiments with different tumbling conditions, while not significantly affecting the

‘free’ response of the debris. To the clients’ knowledge, there are no test-beds in the

world dedicated to the experimental study of this problem and having such a facility

would allow Prof. Sharf to make significant advances in understanding the dynamics and

control of net-based debris capture.

Budget

$1,000

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P# 14 - Lattice Materials for a Low Thermal Expansion Strut of a Satellite Antenna

Clients & contact persons

Prof Damiano Pasini and Hang Xu, PhD candidate

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 372

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-6295

Email: [email protected]

Description

During launch and in orbit, satellite antennas need to withstand mechanical and acoustic

vibrations as well as accommodate large thermo-elastic distortions caused by extreme

temperature spectra. Satellite antennas must also be as lightweight as possible to

minimize the cost required to get them into space. At MDA (MacDonald Dettwiler &

Associates Inc - a world-class supplier of communication satellites, and antenna

subsystems), spacecraft antennas are designed to attach to the supporting structure via

struts, traditionally, with end fittings usually in titanium. While versatile and convenient,

this solution is sparely used due to the weight penalty added by the struts. MDA is

currently seeking alternative solutions to design ultralightweight multifunctional struts to

mount on their antennas. Such struts should withstand a high axial load and be thermally

stable, i.e. they must exhibit a very low coefficient of thermal expansion, over a wide

temperature range. In addition, the struts should be ultralightweight as well as capable to

reduce acoustic and mechanical vibrations.

With MDA, our goal is to develop a proof of concept strut made of lattice with low (or

even zero) coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE). We look for a team of undergraduate

students to optimize the mechanical performance, carry out the design embodiment,

manufacture the samples and perform mechanical testing. The project requires work on

CAD design, FEA simulation and optimization, microfabrication and/or rapid

prototyping using a 3D printer, as well as mechanical testing. We are seeking students

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with mechanical and material engineering background with expertise in one or several of

the above areas of research.

Budget

TBA

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P# 15 - Rare cell enrichment Client & contact person

Katherine Turner, PhD candidate

McGill University & Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, Room 6205

Dept of Biomedical Eng, McGill University | 740 Penfield Dr | Montreal, QC | H3A 0G1

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-4400 ext 09589

Description

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are recognized as a powerful indicator for cancer

prognosis. These cells are shed from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream,

traveling through the body and eventually causing metastasis. Microfiltration is

commonly used to enrich CTCs from patient blood, however this is a significant

challenge. CTCs can be exceedingly rare and must be separated from thousands of white

blood cells of similar size. The low capture rate and poor purity of CTCs isolated by

microfiltration are major obstacles to the widespread implementation of CTC analysis in

oncological care. The goal of this project is to optimize filtration parameters for the

isolation and purification of CTCs from whole blood. Two main factors of microfiltration

will be investigated, the sensitivity and specificity. Sensitivity refers to the efficiency of

CTC recovery from blood and specificity refers to the purity of isolated cells. These will

be evaluated by looking at i) the minimum number of cancer cells that can be detected in

a given volume of blood, and ii) techniques to minimize filter fouling by white blood

cells.

Major activities:

Evaluate the effects of various microfiltration parameters such as the flow rate,

fluid cellularity, and membrane pore size on the efficiency of cell recovery.

Investigate methods for reducing membrane fouling by using backflow

techniques, optimizing washing steps, and using anti-fouling filter coatings.

Analyze the impact of abovementioned parameters on the sensitivity and purity of

microfiltration.

Assets:

Some background in fluid mechanics and/or chemistry and/or molecular biology.

Some background in cell biology/biochemistry

Strong ability to design and conduct experiments and work in a laboratory setting.

Experience in any field related to the project.

Budget

TBA

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P# 16 - Virtual cellular wood tissue Clients & contact persons

Prof Damiano Pasini and Dr Ahmad Rafsanjani, Post-Doc

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 372

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 398-6295 | pasini.ca

Email: [email protected]

Description

Wood is a natural composite material with a hierarchical architecture which exhibits

complex anisotropic mechanical behavior. In temperate climate regions, tree growth

occurs in the warm season which results in creation of annual growth rings, where thin-

walled earlywood cells (grown in spring) with large internal lumens, gradually change to

thick-walled latewood cells (grown in summer) with small-sized pores. Our goal is to

create 3D printed virtual wood samples at the cellular scale (earlywood and latewood) to

investigate the role of microstructure on anisotropic mechanical behavior of wood. We

seek a team of undergraduate students to work on image processing of micro-computed

X-ray tomography data, CAD design, and rapid prototyping of wood tissue models using

a 3D printer, mechanical testing of printed samples and finally validation of the results

with finite element simulations.

Major Activities:

Image processing

CAD design

3D printing

Mechanical Testing

Validation with FEM Simulations

Budget

TBA

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STUDENT COMPETITIONS

P# 17 - CFRP oil and fuel tanks for a Formula SAE Vehicle

Client & contact

Lewis Koberg, McGill Racing Team

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 270

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected]

Description

The McGill Racing Team employs a light-weight single-cylinder design philosophy for

their entry into Formula SAE competitions. This philosophy relies heavily on systems-

integration and the reduction of mass of all components on the vehicle. For this reason,

many parts that were previously aluminum like the engine oil and fuel cells are excellent

candidates for further weight reduction through the use of CFRP.

The goal of this project is to design, manufacture and test composite fuel and oil tanks for

the 2015 MRT Formula Prototype. Both tanks must be analyzed to retain their capacity in

liquid from a structural standpoint as well as serve the additional purposes demanded by

these tanks. The fuel cell must be able to hold enough fluid for the endurance event, not

allow for fuel starvation during cornering events, contain a fuel pump as determined by

the McGill Racing Team, and not leak when flipped upside-down or when exposed to

fuel for long periods of time. The oil tank must be able to hold engine oil at high

operating temperature, have proper inlet, outlet and vent ports, and not starve the engine

of oil during extreme cornering events.

This project is intended to require structural composite design, advanced processing

procedures, and CFD analysis of internal tank geometry. Sufficient bench testing of both

tanks is required before use on the prototype.

Budget

$2,500

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P# 18 - CFRP steering wheel analysis and design for a Formula SAE Vehicle

Client & contact

Lewis Koberg, McGill Racing Team

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 270

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected]

Description

The goal of this project is to develop the design of a Formula Prototype steering wheel to

determine the most lightweight solution that can withstand normal and sometimes

extreme driving situations. The unique aspect of this project is being able to develop

many prototypes which can be tested and evaluated for use on future MRT Formula SAE

race cars. Previous steering wheel designs will be supplied as testing and analysis

baselines. It will be required to perform complete analysis and physical failure testing of

all carbon fiber layups built by the MECH 463 group. Additionally a careful selection of

processing technique will be required by the MECH 463 group, to ensure available

manufacturing resources can be used.

The steering wheel designs and analysis should be approved by the McGill Racing Team

contact before production begins.

Tools Employed:

Use of CAD Software; Siemens/Unigraphics NX 9.0

Use of Finite Element Analysis; NX NASTRAN

Use of Composites Engineering Software; Siemens Fibersim

Established Composites Manufacturing Techniques

Budget

$1,500

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P# 19 - Implementation of a differential and motor coupling for Mcgill electric race car

Client & contact

McGill Formula Electric Team

http://blogs.mcgill.ca/fsae/

Description

McGill EV designs and builds an electric race car for competition every year. This year

instead two independent electric motors driving the rear wheels, the team will use one

electric motor and a differential to drive the rear wheels. This Mech 463 project is tasked

with the selection of the differential, and the coupling of this differential to the electric

motor. Possible solutions could be belt drive, a chain drive, or another solution proposed

by the Mech 463 team. The team will also be asked to provide a document to the team

outlining why a certain differential was chosen.

Budget

$2,500

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P# 20 - Optimized suspension frame mounts for a Formula SAE Vehicle

Client & contact

Lewis Koberg, McGill Racing Team

Dept of Mechanical Eng, Macdonald Eng Bldg, Room 270

McGill University | 815 Sherbrooke St W | Montreal, QC | H3A 0C3

Email: [email protected]

Description

Over the course of the past year, the McGill Racing Team has designed the first carbon

fiber and honeycomb reinforced composite monocoque chassis since the creation of the

team 20 years ago. This drastic evolution has led to many new design possibilities and

opportunities for unique system-integration. An area that has been significantly impacted

by the change of chassis design has been the mounting interface between the chassis and

external components such as the suspension members.

The goal of this project is to develop the design of a rigid, strong and light suspension

chassis mount. The current design of these mounts is a machined aluminum clevis.

Testing many samples of both the current design and new designs will be critical, with

the final recommendation being strongly influenced by physical test results, together with

ease of manufacturing and mass.

New design iterations should be approved by the McGill Racing Team before starting to

build test samples.

Budget

$1,000

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INDUSTRIAL PROJECTS

P# 21 - Activation sensor

Client & contact person

Don Chandler, Engineering Manager/Directeur de l'ingénierie

Vortex Aquatic Structures Intl

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 694-3868 ext 229

Description

Objective:

To research existing market technologies that can be used as activation devices for splash

pads. The technology must be adaptable for splash pad, pool s and aquatic centers. The

devise must have the following specifications:

Vandal proof

Preferably none mechanical / contact activation

Interactive / intuitive for the children

Capable of being integrated with current and future PLC technologizes. (24VDC

@ Signal current close contact, normally open)

Will function in Sun, Chlorinated water 3ppm, wet conditions.

Suitable for products, posts and ground activation.

Costing should not be higher than $262.00

Resist high temperature found in Arizona and Dubai.

Must be reliable

Background:

Vortex has used many activation media’s in its history, starting from capacitive activation

sensors, Mechanical switches, Infrared, Piezo activation and hydraulic buttons to activate

the splash pad play product sequence by our PLC controller. In many cases the switched

demonstrated reliability issues, environmental issues, complex calibration requirements

and not resistant to vandalism.

Client complaints have been

Not resistant enough to vandalism.

The activation is not intuitive.

Clients did not like the high cost of the more complex solutions ($262).

Not resistant enough to environmental factors (Sand, UV, Chlorinated water).

Not interactive enough.

Budget

TBA

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P# 22 - New motion tracking technology for Welding Simulator Client & contact person

Claude Choquet, President & CEO of 123 Certification

1751 Richardson St, Suite 2204 | Montreal, QC | H3K 1G6

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 932-7273 ext 221

Description

Objective: Design, build and deliver a production prototype of a welding simulator based

on an existing portable version for professional welder schools or large industrial plants

based from the existing technology developed at 123 Certification.

The project consists of delivering a new portable version of the simulator that allows ease

to manufacture, ease to maintain & support and within various hardware standards. Our

objective is to get closer to the welder's environment and workspace ergonomy by

reproducing and improving:

Esthetics of the simulator

Ergonomy of the welder (multiple welding position & 3D welding such as pipe

welding)

Working area for multiple weld position

Standard hardware

This project has for basis the features of the portable version of the simulator and expects

you to deliver a new improve design that encompassed the previous features. Which

includes a visual detection system that allows for high-precision movement detection, a

tactile screen, a helmet with mounted displays for virtual reality immersion, a welding

gun and a part to be welded virtually. The passive markers are fixed on the welding gun

and helmet. It has the advantage to detect quickly the space location of the user’s welding

gun and his helmet. It has the advantage to detect quickly the space location of the user’s

welding gun and his helmet and their interrelation for image reconstitution in a welding

scene.

Resources: We have a team of experts for design criteria related to components selection.

Our objective is to design, build and deliver an electromagnetism simulator. EM has the

very big advantage in our field of training to enable no occlusions while in action. The

Hardware design should be fairly straightforward. We would suggest a board that either

has a simple microcontroller on it or design the board to plug into a microcontroller

board. The Raspberry Pi board would be a candidate, or Amtel, or NXP, or Freescale

Kinesis all make evaluation boards for their microcontrollers that you could either use as

a reference design or just incorporate into the product as is. We’ve used the Freescale

evaluation boards, and they are inexpensive and work well.

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There is also 3D prototyping of the component such as the welding tools since they have

to be non-magnetic materials. Here is the general design we are looking for our solution.

Budget

TBA

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P# 23 - Rotational joint cost reduction & redesign

Client

Don Chandler, Engineering Manager/Directeur de l'ingénierie

Vortex Aquatic Structures Intl

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 694-3868 ext 229

Description

To cost effetely reduce the current “4” “static rotational joint. To review the current

application in the Vortex product line. To examine different materials and design

solutions to provide the same functionality but that is more cost effective. The unit must

have the following specifications:

Rotation of 360 degrees.

Spray control of 80 degrees.

Adjustability of spray control on 360 degrees.

Must be design to meet ASTM 2461 standards.

Resist high temperature found in Arizona and Dubai

Will function in Sun, Chlorinated water 3ppm, wet conditions.

Costing should not be higher than $TBA

Corrosion resistance.

Vandal proof

Must be reliable

Background:

The 4” rotational joint is used on many Vortex products, particularly on the spray cannon

series. The joint used a lead free brass joint (previously Bronze) to limit wear and

provided a 360 rotation. A UHMW plastic bushing is used to control the 80-degree spray

zone. Four setscrews found on the collar of the joint permit the setting of the 80-degree

spray zone within the 360-degree free rotation. Pervious designs included fixed angle

rotation and resulted in a high failure rate. The latest attempt was to use an aluminum

base material, which showed encouraging results.

Budget

TBA

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P# 24 - Analysis of the three dimensional deformation of the end of the steel profile and the development of design concept for the automatic end straightener

Client & contact person

Mr Jerry Slaba, President NDT Technologies Inc

20275 Clark-Graham Ave | Baie-D’Urfe, QC | H9X 3T5

Email: [email protected] | Office: (514) 457-7650

Joe Slanik

(514)-966-5011

Description

The client is leading manufacturer of nondestructive testing equipment for detection of

structural and geometrical defects in steel pipes, railway wheels, and rails and steal

profiles in general.

The flaw detection equipment is based on acoustic principles. The geometry

measurements are based on various contact and non-contact methods including laser

triangulation.

The objective of the current project is to develop a specific measuring method to measure

3D deflection of the steal profile and establish analytical procedure to evaluate the

measured data. The results will be used to design an automatic end of the rail

straightener.

The project is a continuation of the last year project MECH 463-NDT. The students will

be required to read and understand the last year report. The report will be made available,

after the student group is selected and the NDA signed.

Requirements:

Use of Solid Works.

Good knowledge of engineering graphics.

Knowledge of FEA in the area of deformable solids.

Good mathematical and optimization skills.

Budget

TBA

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P# 25 - The engineering evaluation of a novel and improved geothermal heating system

Client & contact person

Schluter Systems Canada Inc.

2110 ch. Ste-Marie,

Ste-Ann-de-Bellevue

QC H9X 3Y8

Joe Slanik

(514)-966-5011

Description

The Schluter Systems Inc. is and international company with corporate headquarters in

Germany and North American head office in Montreal. They produce proprietary

materials used in construction of floor geothermal heating systems. Presently the

company is in process of improving and evaluating a heat transfer efficiency of the

geothermal fluid distribution system. The improvements involve modification of the

product and introduction of novel manufacturing methods.

The substantial part of the project is to design and build functioning prototype. The

prototype will consist of constant temperature water supply, distribution system and two

1m x 1m floor panels, one equipped with standard distribution system and one with

improved. The two panels and the water supply will be instrumented to measure the

thermal response on sudden change of the load. The measured data are required to

support the patent application.

You will be required to get familiar with the product and its application, read and

understand the last year project (MECH 463-SCH). The report will be made available,

after the student group is selected and the NDA signed. Health and environmental issues

such as safe disposal of material will play an important role.

Requirements:

Familiarity with SolidWorks modeler.

Knowledge of engineering graphics.(Mfg. Dwgs.)

Heat transfer, including transient.

Fundamentals of process control.

Familiarity with Labview

Budget

TBA

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P# 26 - Development of a Non-Contact Vibration Exciter (academic)

Client & contact person

Prof. Marco Amabili, Dept. of Mechanical Engineering

Laboratory of Vibration and Fluid-Structure Interaction

MacDonald Engineering Building | Rm 461 | 514-398-3068

[email protected]

Description

Forced mechanical vibrations are most often performed by means of freely-suspended

electrodynamic exciters (shakers). Armature coils and permanent magnets use the

electromagnetic effect to impart an oscillatory motion to the vibrating head of the shaker.

The head is rigidly connected to the structure under test, constituting a relevant added

mass. During large-amplitude vibrations, part of the energy accelerates the mass of the

exciter, with a negative effect on the accuracy of tests. Results suggest that a non-rigid,

non-contact exciter can relieve this problem. The scope of this project is the development

of a non-contact magnetic exciter, capable of applying a non-contact force to a negligible

ferromagnetic mass, bonded to the structure under test. The design must take into

account: 1- The study of current criteria for the coupling of dynamic exciters and

structures. 2- The achievable bandwidth and frequency response 3- The maximum force

amplitude achieved 4- The linearity between the supply and the exerted force 5- The

cooling system of the exciter, if necessary 6- The frame and the suspension system.

Budget

1000 CAD + Price of a Power Amplifier