Microscope System for Automated Analysis of the Size and Shape of Fragments and Particles

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This proposal requests funds to purchase a state-of-the-art microscope system that is capable of automated analysis of individual fragment shapes and sizes, for sizes between 0.5 microns and 5 mm. This system reduces measurement times significantly in comparison to manual techniques (mins vs. hours), as well as provides individual size and shape data, which cannot be obtained from conventional sieving or light-scatter technologies. Using these unique capabilities, our team will be able to acquire more substantive fragmentation data sets than are currently available, and this will lead to major advancements in understanding and modelling fragmentation within our research programs. This will allow our teams to make significant fundamental and applied contributions in three core programs which support industries representing 20% of Canada’s 1.59 trillion dollar GDP: 1. Defense, where our research on dynamic brittle fragmentation will lead to the development of next-generation ceramic materials used for personal protection that will reduce injuries and save lives. 2. Natural Resources and Energy, where our research on mining fragmentation and wear during mineral processing will significantly reduce energy use and waste products, which currently costs Alberta ~1 billion dollars annually. 3. Manufacturing, where our knowledge of powder size and shape will allow our researchers to produce industry-quality components with assured reliability. The automated system for particle analysis system will augment current NSERC- and CFI-supported manufacturing and testing facilities across our interdisciplinary research programs, which will support over 55 highly qualified personnel (HQP) from the departments of Chemical and Materials, and Mechanical Engineering over the next five years. The familiarity with similar sizing technologies by all applicants and its staging in open-access facilities will ensure its maximum utilization (~800 samples per year). This includes expected continual use by external users (e.g., US Army, Shell). As there exists no comparable system at a university in Canada and only a few in the USA, we believe access to the proposed equipment 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 marketplace. These training benefits are coupled with opportunities for HQP to acquire unique data sets that will serve as the foundation for increased fundamental discoveries, more impactful publications, and the expansion of promising new research directions. A delay in acquiring this proposed equipment will diminish HQP training, and this will constrain the scientific progress and innovation of our programs. Combined, this will limit the potential for attracting additional industrial partners and internationally-recognized scientific collaborators.