Improving Operational Resource Efficiencies through the Application of Model-Based Reinforcement Learning (MBRL)

Reinforcement learning (RL) is the problem of designing an agent that interacts with its environment and adaptively improves its long-term performance. Many complex real-world industrial decision-making problems can be formulated as an RL problem. RL is at the core of artificial intelligence and has the potential of having a huge impact on our economy and […]

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Printability of H13 tool steel by powder-fed laser additive manufacturing

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 […]

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Water-based binders for the 3D printing and sintering of metals

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 […]

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Formulating a novel goat-whey based drink and studying its nutritional and health functions – Year two

This project will create novel goat milk-based products and test their health effects in healthy adults. Interest in goat milk is increasing, mainly due to two market trends: consumers’ new taste trends for niche/ethnic products, and the perception of goat milk having added health properties. Goat milk is perceived as having intestinal anti-inflammatory effects and […]

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Formulation and Process Optimizations for the Manufacturing of Cannabinoid Nanoemulsions

Coming into force in October 2019, amendments to the Canadian Cannabis Regulations will introduce guidelines governing the legal production and sale of cannabis-infused extracts, edibles, beverages and topicals. These new products are at the forefront of the natural health product (NHP) and consumer packaged goods (CPG) industries, but challenges associated with their formulation, production and […]

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Plant level implementation of a model for real time tracking and control of composition changes to steel, slag and inclusions during ladle processing – Part 2

The Ladle Metallurgy Furnace is used for adjustment of chemical composition and temperature, and control of tiny particles called “inclusions”. Controlling inclusions is carried out by adding calcium to modify the solid alumina or magnesium aluminate inclusions to less harmful liquid inclusions. During ladle process, reaction of top slag, steel and inclusions occur simultaneously. Therefore, […]

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Investigation of the relationship between firefighting water additive formulation and environmental fate and toxicity

Firefighting water additives are a mixture of chemicals that are mixed with water to more effectively extinguish fires (i.e., residential, industrial, forest fires). The use of these additives is likely to increase in fighting forest fires due to the projected increase in forest fire occurrence and intensity due to climate change. Ingredients of firefighting water […]

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Development and integration of feature detection algorithms for metal-based direct deposition processes

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 […]

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Characterization and Modeling Inclusion Population during Secondary Steelmaking – Year two

The ultimate goal of this project is to develop a fundamental understanding of inclusion evolution during a particular refining process in secondary steelmaking unit. The particular focus is firstly on developing a detailed characterization of the inclusions formed during refining in the Stelco Ladle Metallurgy Facility, and secondly on adapting the existing McMaster ladle metallurgy/inclusion […]

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