Materials Testing and Integrity for Sustainable Systems and Environment

Prince Edward Island (PEI) is well-positioned to participate in, and contribute to, Canada’s Critical Minerals Strategy (CMS). Although small in size and population, PEI has led the country in renewable energy sources, with approximately 30 percent of its energy supply mix coming from wind energy generated on the island and nuclear energy from New Brunswick [1]. While several Canadian provinces and jurisdictions have developed critical minerals strategies, this Sustainable Assets with Value for Energy and Manufacturing (SAVEM) research program proposes to address national gaps as outlined in the Canadian Critical Minerals Strategy, be complementary to the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan [2], support the 2020 Small Modular Reactor Action Plan [3], and potentially inform the development of a critical minerals strategy for clean technology, energy, and advanced manufacturing on PEI. The outcomes of this work will be complementary to current provincial initiatives, such as the 2017 Provincial Energy Strategy [4], the 2023 Building Resilience: Climate Adaptation Plan [5], and the 2040 Net Zero Framework [6].

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The SAVEM research program focuses on midstream processes, as well as the integration of upstream, midstream, and downstream management using a systems-based, circular and concurrent engineering approach. Specifically, there are four research challenges to be explored: (1) generative design, simulation, and modeling of novel alloy combinations for clean technology applications, specifically transition metals nickel Ni, cobalt Co, titanium Ti, zinc Zn, niobium Nb, copper Cu, rare earth elements (REE) neodymium Nd and samarium Sm; (2) the processing and characterization of rare-earth-free, recycled iron based alloys (e.g. Fe-Ni, Fe-Ni-Co) with magnetic properties comparable to REE, desirable for more-electric actuation and generation (MEA, MEG); (3) the circular economy for stainless steel, Ti alloys, Cu, and alloys of transition metals compositions, with focus on reuse and recycling of recovered alloys for 3D additive manufacturing of components for aerospace and renewable energy systems; (4) resiliency of the value chain, combining systems modeling with the development of key indicators for assessing supply chains, circular economy, life cycle performance and end-of-life (EoL) mitigation.

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Objectives 1 and 2

Mission 1: Deep Learning for Materials Discovery

One PhD position

one Post-Doctoral Researcher position

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Objectives 1, 2, 3, 4

Mission 2: Processing of Novel Alloys for Energy

One PhD position

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Objectives 3 and 4

Mission 3: Critical Minerals Management for Added Value

One PhD position

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If you are interested in completing your Post-doctoral Research or your Doctoral Research in this area and have proficiencies that match these areas - noting that projects can be tailored to suit your experience and interests, please email Dr. Hsiao (ahsiao at upei.ca) with the following documentation: (i) detailed CV, (ii) undergraduate and graduate transcripts, {iii} test of English proficiency (TOEFL, IELTS, as applicable), (iv) GRE test scores, (v) authored publications and (vi) graduate thesis, and (vii) three academic or professional references, by June 30, 2024. 

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Qualifications

• Having completed undergraduate course(s) in Materials Science with a 75% final mark is required

• Having completed advanced or graduate course(s) in Metallurgical Processing, Computational Materials, or Applied Materials Science for Sustainability Applications, with a 75% final mark is an asset

• Good overall academic record in undergraduate and graduate degrees (cGPA > 3.5 / 4.3) in Materials Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical or Process Engineering, or relevant engineering discipline and a strong work ethic

• Ability to work effectively in a team

• Proficiency in interpersonal and written communication is required

• Experience in the area of sustainable engineering is required

• Interest in generative AI, experimental characterization and testing, and life cycle assessment is an asset

• Experience and interest in Engineering Leadership and inclusion of diversity in Engineering are assets 

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Responsibilities

• The student will learn and use generative AI techniques to investigate novel alloys for additive manufacturing and more electric actuation and generation.

• The student will use experimental and CAD techniques to create and build alloy powders for direct metal laser sintering.

• The student will use materials characterization techniques to analyze metal printed components for their materials properties and performance.

• The student will work as part of an international, interdisciplinary team to experiment with models, prototypes, and strategies for sustainable materials development.

• The student will contribute to writing reports, peer-reviewed publications, and making technical presentations.

• The student will participate in public knowledge dissemination.

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Relevant Documents

[1] https://www.maritimeelectric.com/sustainability/environment/renewable-energy/

[2] https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview/emissions-reduction-2030.html

[3] https://smractionplan.ca/

[4] https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/information/environment-energy-and-climate-action/energy-strategy

[5] https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/publication/building-resilience-climate-adaptation-plan

[6] https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/2040_net_zero_framework.pdf

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