Funded PhD Position, Automation of Forming of Wing Skins, Montreal, Canada

A fully funded PhD Position in mechanical engineering is available at Polytechnique Montreal in Canada to automate the peen forming of aircraft wing skins.

Peen forming automation through in-process 3D shape measurement

Peen forming is a specialized application of shot peening, which is frequently used in the aerospace industry to form large panels such as wing skins. Traditionally, the process is carried out manually by skilled technicians, and is adjusted for the new parts by trial-and-error. Automation of peen forming process offers great advantages in terms of repeatability and productivity.

This project aims to develop a fully automated peen forming system based on numerical models and quasi-real time 3D shape measurements. We will demonstrate the possibility of automating the process and maximizing its robustness by incorporating modeling and 3D shape measurement in the control loop for on-line calibration and adaptive adjustment of the model with the feedback from shape measurement during peen forming.

The project is experimental and numerical in nature. The student will implement the shape measurement system into a closed loop control system for the peening robot, and will develop algorithms to optimize the peening parameters based on the captured geometry. The candidate sought has a master’s degree in Engineering and possesses a strong background in numerical methods and computer programming, as well as numerical optimization. Preferably, (s)he has some experience with 3D optical scanning, geometric computing, finite element analysis, and/or industrial robotics, control systems and manufacturing automation. The project is a collaboration between the Centre de Technologie en Aérospatiale (CTA) and the SME Aerosphere. The candidate will spend most of her/his time on the main campus at École Polytechnique de Montréal although frequent visits to the collaborating partners are expected. The candidate should be ready to start the project by January 2018. A PhD thesis lasts approximately four years. The financial aid is $20,000 (CAD) per year. PhD candidates must pay tuition (<$3,000/year).

Proficiency in French is an asset, but is not a necessity. PhD studies at Polytechnique can be pursued in English.

To apply, send your cover letter, CV, transcript(s), and a recent publication (can be a project report) before the 30th of June 2017 to:

Farbod Khameneifar, Assistant Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

École Polytechnique de Montréal

farbod.khameneifar@polymtl.ca

(514) 340-4711 ext. 4907

Frédérick Gosselin, Associate Professor

Department of Mechanical Engineering

École Polytechnique de Montréal

frederick.gosselin@polymtl.ca

(514) 340-4711 ext. 3747