Modeling of Vibro-compaction to Understand How It Affects Green Anode Density
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. Since the anodes are consumed by the electrolysis, they must be constantly replaced in the pots. For this reason, many aluminium smelters continuously produce new anodes. The quality of the anodes produced has a crucial impact on the performance of the electrolysis process. One of the important steps in the production of anodes is the vibro-compaction of the anode paste in a mold to form green anodes and the way this is done greatly affects the density distribution. A rheological model will be developed for high vibro-compaction frequencies and different anode paste recipes. The model will be calibrated using experimental data. Ultimately, the model will be used to simulate the vibro-compaction process to optimize the uniformity of the density distribution. Obtaining better anodes will help to improve the energy performance and reduce GHG emissions from the electrolytic cells.
Research Field
- Primary aluminum production
- Vibrocompaction
- Modeling
- Anode forming
- Rheology
- Anode paste
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
Doctorate in Merchanical Engineering
Program descriptionFinancial Aid Available*
Financial Aid Related to Research Project
$27000 per year for 4 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 |
Progression scholarship
|
7 x $500 |
Doctoral exam or seminar presentation
|
$750 |
Doctoral exam, seminar or conference
|
$1,000 |
Publication
|
$750 |
Communication
|
$1,000 |
First submission of dissertation
|
$1,000* |
| Total |
$8,500 |
*A $500 bonus will be added to the graduation scholarship if the initial submission is made before the semester preceding the final qualifying semester.
Université Laval: Student Financial Aid
Supplemental Tuition Fee Exemption Scholarship Program: Entitles international students to pay Canadian student tuition fees, for overall savings of around $40,000. If you are benefiting of this scholarship program, the doctoral admission scholarship will go toward paying your supplemental tuition fees. You will not receive the $2,000 scholarship amount directly; rather it will be applied over your first two semesters to the supplemental portion of your tuition fees.
* 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
- Physics Engineering
Requirements and Conditions
- To have maintained a minimum GPA of B (or equivalent) for both the undergraduate and master's degrees
- 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