Research

Industrial Sprays

Projects

• Application of Liquid Friction Modifier to Train Tracks.
  • Liquid friction modifier (LFM) changes the coefficient of rolling friction between a wheel and a train track.
  • Use of LFM decreases fuel consumption by 6% on average.
  • LFM may be applied either from a moving train or from fixed track-side stations.
  • For LFM applied from a moving train, the key technical issue is how to get the liquid to deposit on the tracks without splashing.
  • For LFM applied from a track-side station, the key issue is how much liquid is carried down the tracks.
  • Sponsored by LB Foster, NSERC
• Application of Traction Aid to Train Tracks.
  • When wet leaves accumulate on tracks, the reduction in friction can result in derailment. We are exploring ways to get traction aids onto the tracks.
  • Sponsored by LB Foster, NSERC

Pulp and Paper

Projects

• Paper Drying.
  • Most of the energy used in papermaking is expended in the dryer section.
  • We are exploring the impact of dryer fabric on the drying process.
  • In collaboration with Professor Boris Stoeber
  • Sponsored by Asten Johnson, NSERC

• Mechanics of Tissue Creping.
  • Tissue creping is the process that converts regular paper into paper towel and toilet paper.
  • The softness and absorbency of the creped paper is a function of the mechanics of the creping process.
  • In collaboration with Professor Srikanth Phani
  • Sponsored by FP Innovations, Kruger, Solenis

Building Ventilation

Projects

• Air Filtration.
  • We are studying the energy and health impacts of building air filtration.
  • Sponsored by Vancouver Airport Authority, NSERC

• Energy Recovery Ventilators.
  • Energy recovery ventilators (ERV) are air-to-air heat exchangers that exchange both heat and humidity between the incoming and outgoing air.
  • ERVs can be significantly more efficient than conventional heat exchangers.
  • We are studying the fouling of ERV cores.
  • In collaboration with Professor Steven Rogak
  • Sponsored by dPoint, NSERC

Biological

Projects

• Chewing and Swallowing.
  • We are studying the mechanics of chewing and swallowing.
  • In collaboration with Professor Sid Fels and the Artisynth group.
  • Sponsored by CIHR