Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Ultrafast and high-resolution temperature measurements are critical for understanding and controlling the dynamic thermo-mechanical and thermo-fluid responses of matter. In this proposal, we are requesting funds to purchase a state-of-the-art high-speed infrared camera that is capable of measuring temperatures between -20 and 1,500C at resolutions of 320x240 at a framerate of 2,000 Hz, and 64x48 at 50,000 Hz. Conventional techniques (thermocouples) do not provide the necessary spatial information and cannot be reliably used for fluids and in dynamic testing of materials, and older-generation cameras are incapable of operating at sufficient framerates at adequate resolutions. The requested specialized infrared camera will allow our team to acquire comprehensive transient thermal datasets that will promote valued fundamental and applied contributions in understanding the thermal response of matter in three core programs, which support industries representing 20% of Canadas 1.59 trillion dollar GDP: 1 Defense and Aerospace: We seek to develop next-generation light-weight materials with controlled failure behavior that will be used in Defense and Aerospace components by understanding the thermal byproducts of material failure. 2 Conventional and Renewable Energy: We seek to develop structural components, and transport processes with improved consumption efficiencies for conventional and renewable energy platforms (e.g., pipelines; wind turbines) by understanding multi-scale heat transfer processes. 3 Advanced Manufacturing: We seek to improve manufacturing of parts with assured tolerances and reliabilities by tracking and controlling heating and cooling rates during material deposition and solidification in additive manufacturing and spraying. The infrared camera will augment current NSERC- and CFI-supported mechanical and fluid testing equipment, and manufacturing facilities, supporting +35 highly qualified personnel (HQP). The familiarity with high-speed cameras by all applicants and its staging in an open-access facility will ensure its maximum usage (~175 tests per year). This includes use by external partners (e.g., Canada Defense Research, InnoTech Alberta, and Shell). As only one comparable system exists at a Canadian university (but slower framerates), we believe access to the proposed camera will provide a world-class training environment for HQP to develop valuable multidisciplinary and specialized hands-on technical skills needed to compete in the global economy. These training benefits are coupled with opportunities for acquiring unique thermal datasets that will serve as the foundation for increased fundamental discoveries and impactful publications. A delay in acquiring this equipment will diminish HQP training, constrain the innovation of our programs, and limit the potential for attracting industrial partners and collaborators.