Characterization of the mechanical behaviro of anode paste during vibrocompaction
Description
Canada is one of the main producers of aluminum in the world and the majority of the production is made in Quebec. In electrolytic cells, a strong current flows between the anodes and the cathodes. The anodes must be constantly replaced as they are consumed in the process. To produce the anodes, an anode paste is obtained by mixing coke, pitch and anode butts. The paste is then vibrocompacted in a mold. Vibrocompaction causes density gradients in the anode which can negatively affect its performance in the cells. In this project, we aim to better understand the mechanical behavior of the anode paste during vibrocompaction, especially at high frequency. Laboratory tests will be conducted for this purpose by the student. The data obtained will allow the team to develop new models taking into account the impact of frequency, wall friction and the anode paste recipe, among others. Ultimately, the project will improve the quality of the anodes and thus reduce the energy and raw material consumption of aluminum smelters.
Research Field
- Primary production of aluminum
- Vibrocompaction
- Anode paste
- Rheologie
Research Supervisor
Louis Gosselin
Research Environment
REGAL - Aluminium Research Centre, Université Laval
Université Laval is a pole of expertise on the primary production of aluminum, involving many professors, research assistants and students who are members of REGAL (https://www.regal-aluminium.ca/fr/accueil/). In close partnership with the industry, our dynamic team aims to better understand and to improve the various processes used in smelters through experimental work, modeling and data processing.
Web Site
Financial Aid Available by Program of Study
Master's Degree in Chemical Engineering with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$18000 per year for 2 years.
Funding for this project is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and by Alcoa.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Evaluated activity
|
$650 |
| Achievement scholarship |
$1,000 |
| Total |
$1,650 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Civil Engineering with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$18000 per year for 2 years.
Funding for this project is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and by Alcoa.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Evaluated activity
|
$650 |
| Achievement scholarship |
$1,000 |
| Total |
$1,650 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Materials and Metallurgical Engineering with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$18000 per year for 2 years.
Funding for this project is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and by Alcoa.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Evaluated activity
|
$650 |
| Achievement scholarship |
$1,000 |
| Total |
$1,650 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly. Master's Degree in Mechanical Engineering with thesis
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$18000 per year for 2 years.
Funding for this project is provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and by Alcoa.
Program-Specific Financial Aid
Graduate Studies Awards
| Milestone |
Amount |
Evaluated activity
|
$650 |
| Achievement scholarship |
$1,000 |
| Total |
$1,650 |
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
* Amounts shown represent maximum financial aid available. Certain conditions apply. Subject to change without prior notice. For further information, contact sponsoring organizations directly.
Desired Profile
- Mineral, Metallurgical, and Materials Engineering
- Civil and Water Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Chemical Engineering
Requirements and Conditions
- To have maintained a minimum GPA of B (or equivalent) during undergraduate degree
- To have a strong interest in research on industrial problems, such as those presented in the project description
- To have an excellent ability to speak and write in French and/or English
Required Documentation
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitæ
- Student transcript
***IMPORTANT***
Send all your documents into a single email at the following address: energie@gmc.ulaval.ca. Indicate clearly in the subject of the email the number or the title of the project for which you want to be considered. Thanks!
Find Out More
Louis Gosselin
Professeur
Département de génie mécanique
Louis.Gosselin@gmc.ulaval.ca