Master of Engineering (M.Eng.) project reports

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/1807/25187

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 21

Implementation of an Ontology for the Evaluation of IED-Disposal Training
(2011-06-08T20:56:09Z) Lepard, MIchael; Grüninger, Michael
This project proposes an ontology that can be used to evaluate the gathering of information performed by an IED-Disposal student during training. The ontology uses the activities of asking questions, obtaining and classifying SA elements to propose axioms that control the generation of evaluation comments. Evaluation of the axioms was conducted in first order logic using Prover9 which proved problematic in the development of a real-time decision support system for use in a training simulator. The axioms were migrated to ProLog and implemented in an inference engine as part of the prototype DSS and user interface. Scenarios were developed for the user interface that would both verify the behaviour of the evaluation ontology and evaluate the performance of the DSS under real-time loads.
Facility Network Optimization
(2011-05-12T19:30:25Z) Zavari, Jouian ; Kwon, Roy
Abstract: This project report emphasizes the importance and challenges of facility location decisions for an efficient and effective movement of products from distributing facilities to the customers. A model formulation for a deterministic facility location problem is developed in order to find the optimal distribution centre locations to minimize the overall costs. Demand uncertainty is then applied to the model to examine how this optimal solution would change as the demand changes.
Understanding nurses' preferences to improve scheduling optimization models for chemotherapy clinics
(2011-05-12T16:45:13Z) Chan, Joyce Yin Tung ; Chan, Timothy
Abstract: Intelligently scheduling patients in chemotherapy clinics is an important factor in improving the clinic's workflow. By using an integer programming model, feasible schedules can be easily determined in short periods of time. Also these schedules ensure that all required resources are available at the required time. But, the schedules produced by the optimization model may not reflect what nurses perceive as optimal schedules, since the weight factors are all initially determined by researchers. First, it is important to understand what nurses consider as a good schedule, and this has to be done before it is possible to create optimal schedules for the nurses to follow. By using an inverse optimization model nurses' preferences can be determined. With the new parameters they can be used in the forward problem to create better schedules that satisfy the nurses as well.
High-power Plasma Torch Optimization
(2011-05-12T16:38:39Z) Grisha, Nikolay ; Mostaghimi, Javad
Abstract Plasma spraying is a process intended for a component's surface improvement by means of particles deposition. It includes surface strengthening, and adding rust-preventing, dielectric, fire safety and other properties to a component's surface. A high power plasma torch designed in Centre for Advanced Coating Technologies (CACT), University of Toronto, for the purpose of thermal waste treatment is proposed to be used in a high-volume plasma spraying process. Modification of the existing plasma torch is required in order to accommodate feedstock material delivery into the plasma jet. A series of experiments were conducted and results were evaluated in order to verify if the torch is suitable for plasma spraying. Results and modifications of the existing torch are presented.
Optimization of a Space Heating Solar System
(2011-01-28T17:11:31Z) Kara, Mashal ; Cleghorn, William L.
With the rapid evolution of technology and globalization, our society has become highly dependant on the production of energy. As the threat of diminishing fossil fuels and the impact these technologies have on the environment, the need for renewable energy has become evident. In this project, we attempt to optimize an existing space heating solar technology using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) software. Through a series of simulations and the construction of different predictive models, we were able to determine the optimal thickness, flow rate and pipe diameter for a space heating solar system. During our research we discovered that after optimizing the thickness of the panel we were unable improve the results by placing obstructions to increase the average flow paths length. These obstructions created too large of a resistance for the benefit they could offer. Further studies and experimental trials are needed to fully understand how each parameter affects the power output of the system and the power needed to run the system.
Three-Dimensional Computer Animation of an Electrowetting on Dielectric Based Lab-on-a-Chip
(2011-01-27T16:33:11Z) Yau, Frankie ; Sullivan, Pierre E.
This project presents a 3D graphical visualization of an electrowetting-on-dielectric (EWOD) device. EWOD is the process altering the surface tension of droplet on a dielectric surface via the application of an electric field. EWOD is used to manipulate droplet in digital microfluidic devices via the creation of a surface tension gradient. Fluid flow in digital microfluidic devices have been visualized using techniques including micro particle image velocimetry, and direct imaging. This project presents a 3D graphical visualization of the key physical phenomenon that occurs during the creation, transportation, merging, mixing, filtering, and splitting of liquid droplets within an EWOD device. The visualization was created using 3D graphics software as a series of meshes, and then animated.
Focusing of Maskless Abrasive Jets
(2011-01-11) Wodoslawsky, Andrew ; Spelt, Jan K. ; Papini, Marcello
Abrasive jets offer an economical alternative to benchmark micromachining technologies, but there is a need to develop a technique to focus abrasive air jets so that a mask (stencil) is not needed to achieve the required resolution. The poor resolution of maskless air jets is likely the result of internal nozzle roughness. By extrapolating from the literature, it was concluded that aerodynamic lenses and converging capillary focusing methods cannot be expected to be effective because the particles used in abrasive jetting are too large and the flows too turbulent. Focusing using eddy-current repulsion, electrostatic repulsion and diamagnetic repulsion were not deemed to be promising because none of the technologies examined could generate, under practical configurations, the required magnitude of force. Therefore, no technique for reliably focusing an abrasive jet was found. Since abrasive water jets have been shown to operate with very small divergence, a prototype abrasive suspension jet was designed, built and put through basic tests of functionality. The jet was easily capable of etching borosilicate glass with a driving (air) pressure of 6MPa and 12MPa, with apparently small dispersion. However, the mixing mechanism did not achieve a homogeneous concentration of abrasive during jetting, so was not capable of etching prismatic channels. Design improvements and future experiments were suggested.
Photo-Carrier Radiometric, Photovoltage and Electroluminiscence Lock-in Imaging of Silicon Solar Cells
(2010-11-23T22:34:57Z) Huq, Syed Rakiul ; Mandelis, Andreas
Photocarrier radiometric imaging (PCR) is an effective diagnostic tool to monitor the energy conversion mechanisms affecting efficiency, transport properties and recombination processes of Si solar cells. In this paper, PCR is introduced using a near-infrared (NIR) InGaAs camera and a spread superbandgap laser beam as an optoelectronic source at low modulation frequency (10Hz) or location-by-location scanning PCR imaging with a focused laser beam at high frequency (10kHz). PCR frequency scans and simultaneous modulated photovoltage (MPV) frequency scans are produced as supplementary results to PCR images and PCR images are compared to dc electroluminescence & modulated electroluminescence images to check the correlation between the results. I-V characteristics of the solar cells are produced in darkness and shunt resistance is measured using the linear portion of the I-V curve. I-V characteristic of a solar cell is also produced using a load resistance box and by irradiating the solar cell with a laser beam. It is observed and analyzed how the experimental results vary with respect to (1) mechanical defect induced on front surface of the solar cell, (2) solar cell subjected to different temperatures, (3) variation of area of the solar cell under investigation.
Conceptual Design of a Retube Waste Container for the Storage of Intermediate Level Waste
(2010-11-23T22:27:26Z) Guin, Joshua Michael Allen ; Sinclair, Anthony N.
The Bruce A Unit 1 and 2 Retube Waste Container – Pressure Tube (RWC-PT) design was reviewed and assessed to determine whether the current container shielding arrangements would be sufficient for the storage and disposal of Retube waste arising from a Unit 3 and 4 Refurbishment. It was found that dose rates would exceed targets set by Ontario Power Generation (OPG) at the Western Waste Management Facility (WWMF). To meet these targets a modified steel-concrete RWC-PT design based on the Bruce A Unit 1 and 2 RWC-PT design was proposed. In addition a conceptual lead-steel RWC-PT design taking into consideration lessons learned and Operating Experience (OPEX) was also reviewed. A manufacturing evaluation of both the modified RWC-PT and the conceptual RWC-PT designs was completed. Several manufacturing improvements were noted for the conceptual RWC-PT including the use of a metallic seal arrangement and stainless steel cladding. The use of lead in the manufacturing of the conceptual RWC-PT was explored. Several additional precautions with the use of lead were identified. A benefit-cost analysis of the conceptual RWC-PT was completed. The conceptual RWC-PT design proposed offers a number of benefits including a reduction in operational effort with the use of a new sealing arrangement and also due to a reduction in the number of containers to be handled. In keeping with the ALARA principle the conceptual RWC-PT was found to reduce dose to workers. The life-cycle Page 9 manufacturing, operational, storage and disposal costs of the conceptual RWC-PT were also evaluated and compared to the modified RWC-PT design. The cost savings for the proposed conceptual RWC-PT when compared to the modified RWC-PT were found to be $7,829,000. The conceptual RWC-PT design proposed offers both benefits and costs savings. Bruce Power is invited to further consider allocating funding for the development of preliminary engineering of this conceptual design for Bruce A Units 3 and 4.
Real-Time Recognition of Facial Expression for Affective Computing Applications
(2010-11-23T22:15:45Z) Wang, Christopher ; Benhabib, Bensiyon ; Nejat, Goldie
In this paper, a real-time facial expression recognition system is proposed to classify images of human facial expressions into a two dimensional model of emotion. The system is comprised of a facial feature detection system that uses constrained local models to locate the features, and a facial expression recognition system that utilizes multi-class support vector machines to classify the facial expressions. The outputs of the system are values of pleasure and arousal associated with an input image. Classifications rates achieved were 76% for the pleasure dimension and 62% for the arousal dimension. An analysis on facial action parameters also revealed that some parameters were more effective at determining pleasure and arousal values than others.
Spider: Mechanical Design of a Resealable Window
(2010-11-23T22:07:00Z) Martin, Taylor G. ; Bussmann, Markus
The Spider balloon-borne telescope is a cosmology experiment designed to measure polarization in Cosmic Microwave Background radiation. Central to the success of the experiment is the engineering design of a retractable window that protects the detectors while on the ground and during ascent and descent. The design process was a balance between trying to make the simplest mechanism and ensuring robust performance. Design focussed on four component groups: the linear guide rails, the rack and pinion system, the four-bar mechanism, and the o-rings. The rails consist of a custom aluminum frame that houses a pre-manufactured linear guide system from Pacific Bearings. MR12 rails were selected to withstand the front and back thick-window frame forces of 248 N and 154 N, respectively, in the lateral direction. The rack and pinion, with motor and gearbox, drive the window in and out to deploy and retract it. The rack and pinion selected are available from Atlanta Drive Systems and can easily withstand the 174 N force required of them. The four-bar mechanism includes the rails and provides the axial movement that creates the thick window’s seal. Movement of the four-bar mechanism is also driven by the rack and pinion gears and motor. The o-rings create the seal over the cryostat faceplate, protecting the astronomical instruments from large pressure differentials. Nitrile was selected as the o-ring material for its low temperature performance and good gas impermeability properties. The interaction of the four component groups was crucial in determining their respective properties, such as strength, motor torque, and dimensions.
Review on Dynamic Pricing Strategies and the Applications of Queuing Theory
(2010-11-23T21:59:40Z) Li, Wei ; Balcioglu, Ahmet Baris
Photographic Study of Nucleate Boiling at Critical Heat Flux
(2010-11-23T21:51:31Z) Lobo, Lionel ; Ashgriz, Nasser
The two phase liquid-vapour flow in a CANDU reactor core is an important part of the nuclear power generation process. In order to improve the safety and economics of a CANDU reactor, it is essential to understand the mechanisms governing this flow and the mechanism governing the formation of vapour bubbles at the Critical Heat Flux. While prior research exists about nucleation and heat transfer at normally achievable temperatures and pressures, not enough is known about nucleation at nuclear conditions. This project is the first step towards developing effective heat transfer models at nuclear conditions and is intended to demonstrate the feasibility of such an analysis. The setup used for this study was developed using dimensions from existing nuclear fuel rod systems in order to simulate a single fuel rod immersed in a horizontal liquid flow. Inlet water pressure and flow rate can be varied in this setup and the effects of these variations on nucleation can be observed photographically. Due to time constraints a complete analysis of pressure and flow rate effects was not completed, however detailed recommendations on how to proceed with such an analysis has been presented. A significant setback faced during this project was related to the design and installation of the glass windows. To determine the thickness of these windows and maximum allowable torque, a detailed analysis was performed in SolidWorks and Cosmos and the results have been presented in this report.
Setup for the Analysis of Nucleate Boiling On the Surface of a Heated Rod
(2010-11-23T21:44:49Z) Vira, Nadim; Ashgriz, Nasser
Engineers designing nuclear reactors use conservative parameters in order to accommodate the large unpredictability in the heat transfer process in nuclear fuel channels. This unpredictability can be attributed to insufficient experimental data on nucleation on the surface of nuclear fuel rods. A number of studies have been performed to develop formulas and techniques for measuring parameters such as bubble diameter, velocity and frequency in order to properly understand how these properties may affect heat transfer. In an effort to further study these characteristics, an experimental set-up was created to mimic a nuclear fuel channel. Conditions in a nuclear plant were scaled down to create an environment that made the study of nucleation feasible. Inlet water pressure and flow rate were varied in this setup and the effects of these variations on nucleation were observed photographically. A significant setback faced during this project was related to the design and installation of the glass windows. Properties of quartz and borosilicate were studied and recommendations for future projects were presented. Due to time and design constraints, conclusive results for bubble diameter and velocity were not possible. A sample reading was analyzed to measure the bubble frequency. At the end of the project, a set-up was presented and techniques for studying nucleation were documented.
Effect of Perfectly Aligned CNTS Under Cohesive Crack Bridging in Adhesive Joint
(2010-11-23T21:32:27Z) Cornwell-Mott, Benjamin ; Meguid, Shaker A.
Recent advances in nano-engineering have prompted the use of nanofillers to strengthen composites and adhesive joints. This is because of the phenomenal mechanical properties that these nanotubes possess. For example, carbon nanotubes have elastic modulus ~1 TPa, and tensile strengths of ~100 GPa, which are more than 300 times those of a polymeric material. It is the purpose of this project to quantify the exceptional effect of nanofillers in cohesive crack bridging in structural adhesive bonds (SABs) for the aircraft industry. In this study, we assume that the high aspect ratio nanotubes are perfectly aligned in a thermoset epoxy adhesive. We carried out finite element modeling of the nano-reinforced SABs taking into account the constitutive law of the nanofillers by using the atomistic-based continuum finite element model. A crack in the nanocomposite is propagated using the virtual crack closure technique and the resulting fracture toughness is calculated. The analysis was conducted using atomic-based continuum finite element in which the constitutive laws for the different phases were carefully selected. Specifically, the Lennard-Jones inter-atomic potentials were used to treat the nanotubes and continuum constitutive laws were used for the SABs. The model represents nanofillers pullout with nonlinear springs and the epoxy is modeled with 2D plane stress elements. Our work reveals that the introduction of perfectly aligned CNTs results in improvements in fracture toughness of the composite of up to 195% at 0.5 wt%. Increasing the weight percentage of carbon nanotube fillers was found to increase the fracture toughness almost linearly. The effect of alignment on the bridging phenomena yields significantly higher toughness values than those typically found experimentally, but this correlates well with studies regarding the effect of nanotube alignment.
Processing and Characterization of Autoclave-Based EPP Beads
(2010-11-23T20:45:22Z) Farooqui, Muhammad Kasif ; Patel, Abhishek ; Park, Chul B.
Design of Rodent Repellent Mobile Robot
(2010-11-23T20:13:33Z) Ghate, Salil Prasad ; Goldenberg, Andrew A.
Development of High Strength Microcellular Foams Using Polyether Block Amide
(2010-11-23T19:56:35Z) Lin, Kun ; Park, Chul B.
This report presents a successful development of batch foaming techniques of the engineering elastomer. The polyether block amide (PEBAX) was investigated as an engineering elastomer by using batch foaming techniques. The Pebax provide a unique combination of mechanical and chemical properties. Understanding the effect of the different parameter in batch foaming process allows obtaining the high quality foamed product of the engineering elastomer. Temperature has been considered as an important parameter in the batch foaming process. It was shown that the density of foamed product was decreasing by the temperature increasing under its melting temperature. Both temperature and pressure have to reach the minimum requirement to obtain the fine foamed product. As an experiment result, it indicates that there is an optimal portfolio of foaming parameter for the different Pebax resin.
Design and Control Aspects of a New Meso Milling CNC Machine
(2010-11-23T19:48:32Z) Hawryluck, Chris Derek ; Benhabib, Bensiyon
Mechanical design concepts are presented for a new desktop meso-milling CNC machine. Concept selection criteria are discussed which highlight some of the challenges in mechanical configuration design, instrumentation and control. In conjunction, the conversion of an existing production 3-axis desktop milling machine into a meso-milling CNC machine is detailed. The retrofit process, which features electrical as well as mechanical design, control and instrumentation setup, helps to identify the design problems which must be solved, when creating a new desktop meso-milling machine tool which offers improved resolution, accuracy and repeatability while facilitating manufacturing flexibility.
Simulation Model on the Maintenance of Mining Equipment
(2010-11-23T17:01:39Z) Jiang, Xinan ; Balcioglu, A. Baris
Abstract Equipment used in the mining facility of Barrick Gold requires regular maintenance and experiences random failures. Maintenance and repair activities are performed in the truck shop which is composed of physical spaces referred to as bays. The goal of building a new mining facility is to minimize the number of bays in order to reduce cost while maximizing the performance measures of maintenance activities such as the availability of the equipment. The objective of this project is to develop three simulation models that model the process and examine the performance measure by varying the number of bays used. The number of resources/bays has been varied for model 1 to 6 and the availabilities of the equipment have been examined. The simulation software used in this context is AutoMod and the building of the model is achieved in several steps. AutoStat is then applied to obtain the confidence interval of the results by varying random stream numbers in AutoMod. It is realized that this type of modeling is similar to that of the machine interference problem, and therefore a literature survey has also been conducted as part of the study to learn about the different methods that have been used to approach the problem.

Browse

Recent Submissions