2018 News Archive

Clinic aids mechanical engineering faculty in patent for improving motorcycle steering

When Bruce Minaker, associate professor and acting department head in Mechanical, Automotive, and Materials Engineering at the University of Windsor, began initially exploring routes to patent his invention, he recalled a previous mechanical engineering student he had taught — now the director of the International Intellectual Property Law Clinic. Dr. Minaker reached out to clinic director Wissam Aoun, who responded with interest.

Minaker’s invention is a new style of front suspension for motorcycles. His idea sprouted from his time as a motorcycle rider and enthusiast, and after working with engineering students for many years as a project advisor for the senior capstone design course.

Minaker explains: “For many years, the telescopic fork has been the standard for motorcycle front suspensions, despite the fact that it has some well-known weaknesses. These include fork bending deflection under braking forces, the associated sliding friction that results when that bending occurs, and the reinforcement needed in the frame to counter the large bending loads near the steering head bearing.”

Dr. Biswas honoured for work on clean water

UWindsor professor Nihar Biswas received an honorary degree from the University of Guelph in recognition for his contributions to environmental engineering education and to clean water technology that has improved the lives of people worldwide.

Dr. Biswas, a former acting vice president-research, former senior associate dean of engineering, and a faculty member since 1981, told graduands at the June 12 Convocation celebration that continued access to safe clean water continues to pose a challenge in countries across the globe.

“You will of course face challenges in your work, in your life,” he said in his formal address acknowledging his honour. “Innovation could be the key to solve those challenges.”

Symposium examines studies of sustainability

Nearly 100 local and international scientists, engineers, policy makers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs gathered June 20 to 22 in the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation to discuss recent advances in renewable energy generation, transmission, storage, and consumption.

The Energy and Sustainability 2018 Summit examined studies on climate change, waste and recycling, green buildings, green economy, and social sustainability and featured an electric conversion performance vehicle.

Program provides certification in multidisciplinary mechatronics

The multidisciplinary field of mechatronics integrates mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering to design and implement complex engineering and manufacturing systems.

A new collaboration with global tech giant Siemens has enabled the University of Windsor to launch a world-class industry certification in mechatronic systems.

The weekend Siemens Mechatronic Systems Certification Program focuses on key industrial skill areas such as electrical components, sensors, motor controls, programmable controllers, hydraulics, and pneumatics. In addition to teaching the technical knowledge, the program also stresses trouble-shooting and system-based technical thinking via hands-on training.

Students to hone engineering skills during three-month stints in UK

Six engineering students will spend the summer in the United Kingdom improving their research skills in water treatment and renewable energy technologies.

As part of the Canadian Queen Elizabeth (QE) II Diamond Jubilee Scholarships program, the third-year mechanical and civil engineering students will spend three months abroad collaborating on two separate projects with Aberystwyth University and the University of Surrey.

Ankit Bhat, Shreya Patki and Damir Ferhatovic, will travel to Guildford, Surrey to work with Dr. Martand Singh on a project that focuses on using concentrated solar power for sustainable water desalination — the removal of salts and minerals to produce water suitable for human consumption or irrigation.

“I find it very interesting to be working on something that will be used in our generation,” says Bhat. “Water scarcity is a major issue. If we can convert salt water to clean drinkable, potable water using sustainable energy, we can solve one of our world’s biggest problems in providing clean water around the globe.” 

Engineering Career Fair draws hundreds

A dedicated engineering career fair provided hundreds of University of Windsor students an opportunity to engage with local employers as they prepare to transition into the workforce.

In collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering, the Department of Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships hosted its first career fair for new grads, soon-to-be grads and recent alumni seeking full-time employment in the engineering industry.

More than 430 students equipped with resumés met with 19 employers on June 1 in the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation. 

“Connecting employers to our career-ready students is very important to us, so we are thrilled with the outcome of our Engineering Career Fair,” says event organizer Sarah Overton, a campus engagement coordinator in the university’s department of Co-operative Education and Workplace Partnerships. “We look forward to building on the success of this event in the future.”  

Engineering students lauded for performance in and outside of the classroom

High academic performances and leadership skills landed 21 University of Windsor engineering students scholarships from the Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education.

Asif Khan, chair of the Windsor-Essex chapter of Professional Engineers Ontario, awarded students on behalf of the foundation during a ceremony at the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation for recipients who received scholarships in the past three years.

“For me, the most significant benefit has been that the financial support has allowed me to fully dedicate my time and energy into succeeding in my studies,” said Steven Vrantsidis, a recipient of the foundation’s $1,500 Entrance Scholarship.

The Ontario Professional Engineers Foundation for Education (OPEFE) is a charitable foundation run by a volunteer board of directors that provides scholarships to encourage engineering students to pursue careers in the profession. The scholarships are financed through donations from professional engineers in Ontario, as well as corporate and individual donations.

Electrical engineering cluster led by University of Windsor researchers wins award

The Windsor Section of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Canada has been recognized for its leadership and networking events.

The IEEE Windsor Section, led by University of Windsor researchers, received IEEE Canada’s Exemplary Section Award for small sectionsfor its 2017 activities, leadership, management and administration.

Esrafil Jedari, vice-chair, IEEE Windsor Section and UWindsor research assistant in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, said the section was recognized for hosting around 30 technical, professional and social events on campus; its large network of volunteers and growth in memberships; and organizing and hosting the 30th Annual Canadian Conference on Electrical and Computer Engineering (CCECE 2017).

The group has grown steadily since it branched out on its own as the 21stsection in Canada in 2014 after operating as a student branch for two years within the Southeastern Michigan Section. The majority of its 306 members — which includes industry from the Windsor-Essex region— are University of Windsor faculty and students. The Windsor Section has three technical joint chapters for six IEEE professional societies, a University Windsor student branch and two affinity groups: Young Professionals and Women in Engineering. 

UWindsor researchers receive nearly $5.5 million to solve industrial challenges

A $5,488,206 grant through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s (NSERC) Collaborative Research and Development (CRD) program will advance University of Windsor research onnon-destructive testing of materials and use of coatings for multiple industry sectors.

The project will be led by Dr. Roman Maev, director generalof UWindsor’s Institute for Diagnostic Imaging Research (IDIR) and physics professor, cross-appointed to the university’s Mechanical, Automotive and Materials Engineering (MAME) Department. Dr. Andrzej Sobiesiak, head of the MAME department, will assist as co-principal investigator. 

The project, Novel Quantitive Nondestructive Quality Evaluation of Advance Joining and Consolidation Manufacturing Processes, will develop and test resilient coatings and tools for their application, as well as non-destructive ultrasonic testing methods that can be done on-site for efficiency.

UWindsor engineering students clinch three of four province-wide scholarships

University of Windsor engineering students clinched three of four scholarships offered province-wide by the Ontario Society of Professional Engineers.

In partnership with The Personal Insurance Company, the society annually awards two undergraduate and two graduate students enrolled in engineering programs across Ontario. 

UWindsor’s Chrissy Ure and Rania Toufeili, both environmental engineering MASc students and  

Adib Shamsuddin, an undergraduate mechanical engineering student in the automotive stream, will each receive a $2,500 scholarship towards their engineering education.

The three were recognized for their academic excellence and volunteer activities on campus and in the community.