Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Funding is requested for a high definition infrared (HD-IR) thermographic imaging system to accurately measure local temperature profiles in-situ and in real time with microscopic resolution for assessing new and emerging lightweight materials, which is unattainable with any other available equipment. The proposed system is the only commercially available with combined ultra high spatial resolution and microscopic sized pixels, rapid exposure times, low temperature sensitivity, and leading-edge software capabilities, thus allowing for highly accurate data acquisition.*The system is urgently needed to support the research programs of eight co-applicants from four different Canadian Universities, namely University of Waterloo, Western University, Ryerson University and University of Windsor. The applicants' high-impact research aims to advance the adoption of new and emerging lightweight materials into next-generation automobiles and aircraft. A critical component for designing new lightweight vehicles is to develop high-fidelity analytical and numerical tools for predicting their performance under practical conditions. A requirement to develop accurate design tools is an in-depth assessment of the material's mechanical response, progressive failure characteristics, and corresponding fabrication processes at different length scales, which continues to be a key challenge. The versatile HD-IR thermographic system will be used to effectively capture microscopic damage growth and local stress concentrations in lightweight materials, and to characterize local temperatures associated with their advanced fabrication processes, thus fulfilling a crucial requirement of the applicants' research programs. The proposed system will be coupled with an advanced 3D stereo digital image correlation system to create a unique state-of-the-art comprehensive non-destructive evaluation tool, and therefore extend the capabilities of the requested system.*Ultimately, the proposed thermographic system will propel the research programs of the applicants to a high level of maturity, thus enabling the deployment of innovative technologies to partners in the Canadian automotive and aerospace sectors. The key benefits in developing lightweight vehicles includes improved product performance and safety, and reductions in fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Furthermore, the extensive experimental research activities of the applicants will allow more than 50 students to be trained on the HD-IR thermographic system in the next 3 years, as well as additional students thereafter, providing them with a unique hands-on experience and a deeper knowledge of new lightweight materials. These high-level skills are desired in the advanced materials and manufacturing sector, thus providing opportunity for trainees to obtain high quality engineering and scientific jobs.