Chairholders

Profile

Suong Van Hoa

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Concordia University

Chair title

NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Automated Composites Manufacturing

Chair program

Industrial Research Chairs program

Role

Senior Chairholder since 2012

Summary

The NSERC Industrial Research Chair in Automated Composites Manufacturing has for its objectives the development of composites made using automated fibre placement (AFP) process. The supporting companies include Bombardier Aerospace, Bell Helicopter Textron Canada Ltd., Composites Atlantic Limited, Delastek Ltd., and Emergia Aerospace. Other collaborators include the National Research Council Canada, Automated Dynamics, and CYTEC Engineered Materials. The Chair program will cover three types of activities. The first type of activity will focus on the manufacturing and characterization of composite laminates geared toward the aerospace industry. Effects of different parameters—such as the speed of manufacturing, the temperature and pressure on the quality of the laminates—will be studied. The second type of activity will be on the development of composite structural components that have been made using other manufacturing techniques—such as hand lay-up/autoclave and liquid composite moulding. Comparison will be made on the performance of composite components made using the different techniques. The third type of activity will be on the development of new and novel composite structural components that can only be made using AFP. The performance of these composite structural components will be evaluated.

Suong Van Hoa, of the Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at Concordia University has been working on Composite Materials and Structures since 1979. For more than 30 years, Hoa has been collaborating extensively with many Canadian companies in many projects related to composites. The experience that Hoa has acquired over the years provides him with the background for the work of the Chair. Concordia University recently acquired an automated fibre placement machine that serves as the critical piece of equipment for the work of the Chair.

The Chair results will have a strong impact on the technological advance for the industrial partners, to a leading position of Canadian technology, and will contribute to the improvement of socio-economic conditions in Canada. Over the past few years, composites have been used extensively for the manufacturing of lightweight structures—such as aircrafts, automobiles, wind turbines, and sports equipment. The use of automation will enhance the speed of production, improve the quality of parts, enhance the performance, and reduce waste; thus helping to improve the environment.

Automated composites manufacturing will also provide a more level playing field for manufacturing of composites from low labour-cost countries and high labour-cost countries, thus helping to keep manufacturing jobs in Canada. Lighter aircrafts would also reduce fuel consumption, thus helping to protect the environment. Faster production would reduce manufacturing costs and produce more competitiveness for the companies.

Partners

• Bombardier Aérospatiale Inc.
• Bell Helicopter Textron Canada
• Emergia Aerospace
• Delastek Ltd.
• Composites Atlantic Limited

Contact information

Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Concordia University
1455 De Maisonneuve Boulevard West
EV 4-145
Montréal, Québec
H3G 1M8

Tel.: 514-848-2424, ext. 3139
Fax: 514-848-3175
Email: hoasuon@alcor.concordia.ca

Website:
http://concom.encs.concordia.ca