Research
- Modification and Application of Particle Swarm Optimization in Electronic Heat Sink Design (Mohammed Alrasheed)
- Multi-Robot Cooperative Parts Transportation for Assembly Using Artificial Immune System Approach (M. Tahir Khan)
- Knowledge-based Operation Optimization of Kinetic Structures Using Engineering and Architectural Knowledge (Madalina Wierzbicki)
- Remote Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of an Industrial Machine through Sensor Fusion (Roland Haoxiang Lang)
- Monitoring, fault detection, and diagnosis of an industrial plant (Mr. J. Ramon Campos)
- Nano-electromechanical Vibration Sensor and Casimir Effect (Dr. Farbod Khoshnoud)
- Automation and Control in Manufacturing Technologies (Dr. Ricky Min Fan Lee)
Modification and Application of Particle Swarm Optimization in Electronic Heat Sink Design
Mohammed Alrasheed (Ph.D. Candidate)
Supervisors: Dr. C. W. de Silva and Dr. M. Gadala
The goal of my research is to develop and evaluate practical and efficient methodology for optimal design of the thermal system of a common electronic component. In view of its appropriateness, the concept of particle swarm optimization (PSO) is modified and adapted for this purpose. PSO is a population based stochastic optimization technique. This approach is known to provide global optimization solutions to rather complex and nonlinear problems. The approach however needs modification when using to optimize a specific problem such as the optimal design of a thermal system. Otherwise the procedure, in view of its generality, will be neither efficient nor effective. In the present investigation, we develop the means to adapt the PSO method for use in the design optimization of a heat sink. This is the primary focus of the proposed research. The main objectives of proposed research are:
1. Adapt the particle swarm optimization (PSO) method for the optimal design of the cooling system of common electronic devices, for effective cooling under optimized thermal efficiency.
2. Carry out a performance analysis and a comparative study between the developed approach and conventional and classical optimization methods used in heat sink design.
3. Develop further extensions of performance enhancement strategies for the PSO method, through benchmark simulations.
Carry out a comprehensive case study of the heat sink design for a common electronic device using the developed methodology.
Multi-Robot Cooperative Parts Transportation for Assembly Using Artificial Immune System Approach
M. Tahir Khan
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence W. de Silva
With the rapid progress of robotic technology it is becoming increasingly common to have multiple robots working together for applications such as material transport and cooperative assembly. It is generally known that each robot has a limited intellectual power, but a robot can behave more intellectually in a group because they can interact with each other and learn by operations. Cooperative robotics is desirable for a number of reasons. First, many robotic applications are inherently distributed in space, time, or functionality, thus requiring a distributed solution. Second, it is quite possible that many applications would be solved much faster if the mission could be divided across the number of robots operating in parallel. Third, it may actually be much cheaper and more practical in many applications to build a number of less capable robots that can work together for a mission rather than trying to build one sophisticated robot which can perform the entire mission with adequate reliability.
My research is also focused on developing an Immune Control Framework for Multi Robot Cooperative Part Transportation for Assembly purpose having the following capabilities:
- Decomposition of the task into subtasks
- Recognition of different parts
- Obstacle avoidance
- Self-deterministic cooperation
- Adaptation
- Use of genetic algorithms for task optimization
- Heterogeneous robots will accomplish the overall task.
Knowledge-based Operation Optimization of Kinetic Structures Using Engineering and Architectural Knowledge
Madalina Wierzbicki (PhD Student)
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence W. de Silva
My research concerns the study and development of new kinetic structure topologies.
My research concerns the study and development of new kinetic structure topologies.
The original concept of a foldable structure that I developed was based on kinematic linkages. It became the basis for further development of functional programming for addressing various applications such as shelters, exploration stations, exhibition rooms and commercial spaces. Kinetic and adaptive structures offer the possibility of adjusting spatial and functional attributes on demand. They facilitate quick deployment and reduce environmental footprint. They offer means of meeting the unprecedented functional, comfort and safety demands of modern society.
I am pursuing my initial notion that the challenges of designing kinetic structures which stem from their geometrically parallel nature can be addressed by application of fuzzy logic-based optimization algorithms.
My research also focuses on a human perspective, a subjective and emotion-centered point of view to explore the potential effects of kinetic environments on the perceptual experiences and emotional responses of future users.
Remote Monitoring and Fault Diagnosis of an Industrial Machine through Sensor Fusion
Roland Haoxiang Lang (PhD Student)
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence W. de Silva
My area of research is sensor fusion and machine vision with application to remote monitoring and fault diagnosis of industrial processes. The integration of information and knowledge from multiple sensors is known as data fusion. In factories and process plants, experienced engineers are able to observe multiple machinery and equipment, analyze conditions and make important operational decisions. Current computer-based monitoring and supervisory control systems have limited capabilities to carry out what is naturally possible for experienced and skilled engineers. In my research, I develop techniques and computer-based systems that can monitor, analyze, understand, and integrate information from different sensors and make “intelligent” decisions using soft computing.
Humans use vision in their daily interactions with the environment. Vision sensors are becoming powerful and versatile in engineering applications. In machine vision, I apply feature based object tracking for engineering problems. In particular, I am developing a remote fault diagnosis system for an automated fish cutting machine through sensor fusion. Sound, vibration and vision sensors are used for information acquisition. A neural-fuzzy architecture is employed to fuse these three types of sensory information. After off-line training, the system is applied on-line for fault diagnosis in the fish cutting machine.
Monitoring, fault detection, and diagnosis of an industrial plant
Mr. J. Ramon Campos (M.A.Sc Candidate)
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence W. de Silva
Engineering is high-speed traveling to an unsuspected future; achievements in science and technology allow developed countries maintain the highest standards in quality, research and progress overall. Along with technical matters, ethics and morality are important virtues in society. Taking this in consideration, my enthusiasm and interest in contributing with Mexico’s sustainable development, and the continuous increased professional competitiveness, I have decided to continue my preparation at UBC, specifically at the Industrial Automation Laboratory.
Therefore, my interest is to have a closer understanding of the technological advances nowadays and combine my extensive experience in industrial product design projects as well as my background in project management and its technological and social concerns, in order to provide me with a valuable perspective and knowledge to integrate both areas as a synergetic integration, Mechatronic approach, for any project.
Nano-electromechanical Vibration Sensor and Casimir Effect
Dr. Farbod Khoshnoud
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence W. de Silva
Design and analysis of an embedded, nano-electromechanical capacitive sensor for vibration monitoring is under investigation in this research. In the sensor, vibration sensing is carried out by detecting the oscillations of a Single Walled Carbon Nanotube. Casimir effect due to quantum fluctuations in the zero point electromagnetic field is studied in designing the sensor. This device is particularly useful for precise and effective sensing of vibration for condition monitoring and fault diagnosis in machinery.
Automation and Control in Manufacturing Technologies
Dr. Ricky Min Fan Lee
Supervisor: Dr. Clarence W. de Silva
Research on product and process development in the Energy, Manufacturing and Resource sectors. Development on core and collaborative research projects with concentration on strategic technology areas with the highest potential impact on the above sectors in Canada. These include technologies to develop or improve manufacturing processes at the component level as well as at the machine and systems level that are crucial to the competitiveness of the Canadian industry. It is hoped to address the flexibility and rapid response time for the development of new products and processes, and reconfigurable manufacturing systems. The target research direction is as follows: Automation on manufacturing of fuel cells and other renewable energy component; Automation in EMS (Electronic Manufacturing Service), PCBA (Printed Circuit Board Assembly) and SI (System Integration).
