9I制作厂免费

Description

Aluminum can react with water, releasing energy and producing hot hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas can then be used in a fuel cell or burned with air to release additional energy and either generate electrical or mechanical power. The other products of the reaction are solid aluminum oxides that can be collected and converted back to aluminum metal. This closed utilization loop makes aluminum a sustainable zero-carbon energy carrier that could enable the storage and transportation of renewable energy. For more details about the project, visit the Alternative Fuels Laboratory (AFL) website: alternativefuelslaboratory.ca/research/metal-water-reaction. This project involves characterizing the aluminum-water reaction rate and recyclability for aluminum dross, a waste byproduct of primary aluminum production that is currently difficult to dispose sustainably. Also, supercritical water conditions (both temperature and pressure higher than 374掳C and 221 bar respectively) need to be achieved for large pieces of aluminum to react with water. While the reaction is exothermic and self-sustaining, an initial energy input is required to reach reacting conditions. This project will also investigate how to achieve such conditions without the need for electricity or conventional fossil fuels. Please contact Jocelyn Blanchet (jocelyn.blanchet [at] mail.mcgill.ca) to interview for the position.

Tasks per student

The student will be tasked with assembling an apparatus that will enable to investigate the reaction rate and the recyclability of byproducts for aluminum dross, and to evaluate options to start the reaction. The design decisions will have to be supported with thermodynamic modelling. The student is expected to conduct preliminary experiments, troubleshoot problems and iterate on designs. Applicants must be autonomous, have good critical thinking skills, and be willing to work in a lab environment and use tools.

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Description

Our lab is developing an analogue model of the spine that behaves physiologically, that is mechanically accurately when compared to a living spine. The goal of the project will be to refine certain elements of the design to improve its behaviour.

Tasks per student

Student will work with senior PhD student in lab to explore new ligament, intervertebral disc and bone materials. Student will select appropriate materials and then test their behaviour and compare to real life data.

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Description

Vehicles that are able to autonomously move in the air, on the ground, or underwater must fuse various forms of sensor data together in order to ascertain the vehicles precise location relative to objects. This process is called navigation. Typical sensor data includes inertial measurement unit (IMU) data, and some sort of range data from an optical camera or time of flight sensor (e.g., ultra-wideband radio, LIDAR). The SURE student(s) will focus on sensor fusion for the purposes of robot navigation. Specifically, the student(s) will likely work on one of the following sub-projects: UWB-based navigation solutions for a team of robots, vision + IMU navigation using point and quadric features, estimation and control of a combustion process. Students best fit for this position are those interested in using kinematics/dynamics, linear algebra, probability theory, and numerical methods, to solve real-world problems found in robotics. Depending on the student's interest and/or experience, the students may work more with data and hardware, or more with theory. Comfort with python programming is desired. Year 2 and 3 students will be considered. Students who have taken MECH 309 (or equivalent) are preferred.

Tasks per student

• Formulate and solve the research problem (with assistance from Prof. Forbes and DECAR group members)
• Write code to test the algorithm in a simulation
• Test using simulation and/or experimental data (if available)

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Description

We have constructed a light-gas gun to study the impact, fragmentation, and combustion of supersonic metallic projectiles. High-speed optical diagnostics will be used to investigate the impact dynamics. Modifications are required to optimize the operation of the facility. These include optimizing the design of the sabot used to propel the projectile within the barrel and designing a system to separate the sabot from the projectile outside the barrel. We are developing several diagnostics for detecting the fragments generated during projectile impact with a metal foil or rigid wall. A new particle impact gauge is being developed containing a triboluminescent powder (a material that emits a flash of light when impacted) to detect the impact of high-speed particles. The light is collected with a photomultiplier tube and analyzed to determine the rate of particle impacts. Design experience and familiarity with Solidworks would be an asset in this project. Please contact Jordan Tubman (jordan.tubman [at] mail.mcgill.ca) to interview for this project.

Tasks per student

• The student will contribute to the design, development, and testing of the sabot and sabot separation devices as well as assisting a graduate student with the diagnostic development and testing.

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Description

Laser delivery of energy is a promising means of propulsion for rapid transit within the solar system. This project will use a laboratory-scale laser to heat a propellant that is expanded through a nozzle for thrust generation. A particular challenge is the coupling of the laser-delivered energy to the gaseous propellant: the laser energy deposited in the gas forms an ionized plasma that re-radiates the energy in the ultraviolet. To ensure the trapping of laser energy in the gas, the seeding of the gas using UV-absorbing additives will be explored. The thrust generated will be measured, complicated by the transient (pulsed) nature of the load.

Tasks per student

• Student 1: Will investigate the addition of UV-absorbing compounds (NO2, SO2, etc.) to argon propellant to determine if an increased coupling of the laser-delivered energy is observed. Measurements will be made of the propellant heating chamber using a piezoelectric pressure sensor. UV absorption will also be verified via absorption spectroscopy.
• Student 2: Will design and implement a thrust-measuring device capable of measuring sub-Newton levels of thrust with minimum hysteresis. Tests will begin with cold-flow runs using inert gas, proceeding to testing with laser-deposition and eventually gas seeding.

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Description

Recycling of Fibreglass is an important environmental issue. There are many ways to recycle and it is essential to measure and evaluate the degree of sustainability by performing a detailed Life Cycle Analysis (LCA). This project will examine current research in the Structures and Composite Materials Laboratory pertaining to recycling and establish the LCA of the process. This will primarily be applied to the recycling of fiberglass materials where we combine recycled fibres with a thermoplastic polymer to form a new material that is suited for use in the compression molding and 3D printing industries.

Tasks per student

• Understand the recycling process
• Gather data about the recycling process
• Sort out pertinent data to LCA analysis
• Perform LCA

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Description

The ability of turbulence to mix one or more scalars (e.g. temperature, chemical species concentration, etc.) within a fluid is of particular relevance to a variety of engineering applications (e.g. heat transfer, combustion, environmental pollution dispersion). In general, the turbulent mixing process stretches and stirs the scalar field, which serves to increase the scalar gradients. The scalar fluctuations are then smoothed out by the molecular mixing that principally occurs at the smallest scales of the turbulence. However, our comprehension and ability to predict turbulent mixing are limited because the fluid mechanics that govern turbulent mixing involve multi-scale phenomena for which the details are not yet fully understood, due the complex, nonlinear and chaotic nature of turbulent flows. The objective of the proposed work is to improve our understanding of the turbulent scalar mixing process in internal flows (e.g. pipes, ducts and channels). To this end, direct numerical simulations will be undertaken to simulate the full range of scales in turbulent flows without resorting to any turbulence models. They will be undertaken using a code entitled 3DFLUX (Germaine et al., 2013. 3DFLUX: A high-order fully three-dimensional flux integral solver for the scalar transport equation, Journal of Computational Physics 240, pp. 121-144). The simulations will focus in the effect of the scalar-field initial conditions.

Tasks per student

1. Become familiar with the fundamentals of turbulent flow and scalar mixing therein.
2. Learn about the code being used, the platform on which the simulations will be undertaken, and post-processing tools.
3. Undertake some fundamental, smaller (low-Reynolds-number) simulations to benchmark the code and data analysis / post-processing techniques.
4. Once validated, undertake simulations in which the scalar is injected in different manners, to investigate the dependence of the scalar mixing on its initial conditions. The student will investigate the initial period of mixing of scalars with different initial conditions within fully developed turbulent channel flow.
5. Prepare a report summarizing the student's activities.

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Description

Over the past several decades complex turbulent flows over three-dimensional aerodynamic surfaces such as aircraft wings and automotive vehicles have been accomplished through the solution of the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes Equations (RANS) through computational fluid dynamics (CFD). The approach is used industry-wide and forms the backbone of all commercial software. However, the level of accuracy is subject to the capability of the RANS-turbulence model and for complex flows over aerospace and automotive vehicles, the approach has not proven to be reliable. The direct numerical simulation of the Navier-Stokes equations and/or the large eddy simulation (LES) offers a superior approach to modeling turbulent flow; however, current numerical schemes are not stable for extremely non-linear flows. The 9I制作厂免费 Computational Aerodynamics research group has developed in the past two years new novel algorithms that will allow LES to be stable and accurate. Traditional CFD programs rely on what are known as low-order methods. The numerical software (PHiLiP) developed in the group employs a high-order approach. These methods allow for much higher spatial orders of accuracy, thus allowing the ability to obtain numerical solutions with low errors on coarser meshes. The objective of the summer project is to implement LES-turbulence models and investigate the impact on benchmark test cases within such a high-order numerical scheme.

Tasks per student

• Student 1: The student will implement new LES-turbulence models and investigate the impact on benchmark turbulent flows.
• Student 2: The student will implement new and simulate LES flows using existing entropy-stable fluxes on canonical problems.

In the first month, the students will develop an independent numerical code to better understand discontinuous Galerkin methods. Once this is accomplished, the students will be trained on the use of GitHub which is a version control software to establish proper coding practices. Once the student is familiar they will be given access to the research group's in-house code, PHiLiP.

The students will work on independent projects as well as together during the latter parts of the semester. Both students will be supervised by the research supervisor as well as senior doctoral students in the group. An opportunity to present to the industrial partner would be made available depending on the progress of the summer research.

As part of the academic/research training, the students will be trained in three areas: applied mathematics, computer science, and the physics of fluid mechanics. The student will work on understanding how to solve partial difference equations using numerical codes written for high-performance computing. I embrace a diverse research group that creates an open and inclusive environment for students. I will meet the student weekly and have the student present at research meetings.

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Description

Advanced research in broad unsteady aerodynamics topics for aerospace applications, including boundary layers and finite wing effects.

Tasks per student

• Boundary layer measurements
• Finite wing in turbulence

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Description

We are developing technology that leverages mechanical metamaterials for wearable and packaging. The students will be involved in the design, fabrication and testing of a range of proof-of-concepts assisting graduate students in their research projects.

Tasks per student

• Design, fabricate and test specimens for wearable technology.
• Design, fabricate and test specimens for packaging

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Description

Unlike traditional robots, soft robots can take a variety of unusual 3D shapes. However, it is challenging to estimate the shape of a soft robot while it operates, which makes precise control difficult. The work will analytically investigate how acoustic reflections placed within a robot body can provide information about the robot鈥檚 shape. It will experimentally investigate fusion of acoustic sensing with other modes (e.g., cameras) to estimate the 3D shape of soft robots as they operate. You will analyze acoustics and dynamics, build a variety of soft robot prototypes, develop sensing frameworks, and evaluate their performance.

Tasks per student

The ideal student for this role has well-demonstrated interest in research, strong analytical skills, and an interest in the fields of acoustics and solid mechanics. Tasks:

• Establish a theoretical model for reflection of acoustic waves across porous media in 1D, 2D and 3D.
• Write a program that runs the theoretical model to produce predictions.
• Design and perform experiments to validate theory in a soft robotics context.
• Write a technical report and give a poster presentation.

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Description

Professor Sharf is carrying out research on increasing robotics and automation in tree harvesting machinery. This work is part of Sharf's collaboration with FPInnovations (FPI), which is a non-for-profit organization dedicated to increasing the competitiveness of Canadian forestry industry.

The forestry machines are mobile robots: they include a large crane-like manipulator and a mobile base. Several projects are researched by Sharf's graduate students. In particular, one project (of MASAc student Junrui Huang) deals with developing an algorithmic framework for localizing and creating a semantic map for a log-loading machine operating near the in-feed deck in a mill yard. This work builds on adapting existing SLAM (simultaneous localization and mapping) to the context of mill yard operations. A second project (of MASc student George Sideris) addresses the problem of planning and control for log-loading machines operations. Relevant questions related to this work are: where to pick up the next load of logs from the pile and where to deposit them in a trailer? When should the grapple of the log-loading crane be commanded to close in order to maximize the success of grabbing logs and maximize the number of logs picked up? The third on-going project (of research associate Iman Jebellat) has to do with vision-based pose estimation and tracking of a log-loading crane grapple (end-effector). Currently, we are developing a marker-based solution to solve this problem.

All projects involve some analysis, programming (in Python), numerical simulation and experimental evaluation either in the Aerospace Mechatronics Laboratory or on the Crane test-bed at FPInnovations offices in Pointe-Claire.

The SURE student will be involved in some of this work, jointly with one or two graduate students, depending on the status of the aforementioned projects by the beginning of the summer.

Tasks per student

Specific tasks may include:

• Programming in Python to implement parts of the algorithms
• annotating data sets for training AI models
• Reviewing videos of forest operations and categorizing them
• Testing algorithms in Aerospace Mechatronics lab using available cameras
• Testing algorithms in Aerospace Mechatronics lab using Jaco 2 robotic arm
• Setting up simulated environments to assist with testing algorithms in simulation

Description

Metal powders such as aluminum and silicon can be burned in air at high energy densities for on-demand power/heating with no CO2 emission. The combustion products involve solid metal oxide particles that can be captured and recycled using green electricity. These properties make metals promising energy carriers for intermittent sources such as wind and solar. A similar energy conversion process can be applied in space, where metal oxides in planetary soil can be reduced into combustible metal for rocket propulsion and on-board power generation. The Alternative Fuels Laboratory (AFL) is working on various metal fuel technologies for both terrestrial and space applications. Four SURE students will be recruited to work on various specific projects within the group. Please contact Elie Antar (elie.antar [at] mail.mcgill.ca) to apply for this position.

Tasks per student

Students will engage in hands-on experimental research of metal combustion systems. Daily tasks include improving lab equipment, assisting with data collection, performing theoretical/computational analysis, and conducting small-scale lab demonstrations to illustrate the applications of metal combustion in rocket propulsion and/or energy storage.

Description The dynamic collapse of cylinders is an important problem encountered in numerous applications, from the collapse of submarine hulls to the implosion of pellets for fusion. This project will use various shock wave generators to implode cylinders made of either soft, hyperelastic elastomers or highly viscous liquids to examine the effect of material properties on implosion dynamics. Of particular interest is the existence of a critical velocity of implosion that can prevent the appearance of instability (buckling) of the cylinder, as determined by material properties such as viscosity. The creation of a liquid cylinder will necessitate a continuously flowing annular feed of liquid that will be imploded by a toroidal shock wave generator. The results will be visualized using high-speed videography and photonic Doppler velocimetry.

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Tasks per student

The student will design and build both the liquid column generator and toroidal shock wave generator. An experimental test matrix will be executed, with results reporting the stability of cylinder collapse measured as the difference in radii as a function of collapse radius. Results will be compared to analytic models of dynamic cylinder collapse and finite element calculations.

Description <>The plasma magnet is a promising propulsion technology for deep-space missions. It creates a magnetic structure, similar to a planet's magnetosphere, to deflect the solar wind and impart momentum onto the spacecraft. Due to the considerable technical risks associated with this concept, a technology demonstration flight is necessary. This project is part of an ongoing CSA-funded effort to develop a 3U CubeSat technology demonstrator for the plasma magnet, using high-altitude balloons as the test platform. The project will deploy large (2-meter-diameter) hoops of conducting cable from a balloon payload and energize them with current. While the plasma magnet effect cannot be demonstrated in the stratosphere, the control of the prototype spacecraft using a combination of a reaction wheel and magnetorquer can be demonstrated in the laboratory and during atmospheric flight.

Tasks per student

The student will be responsible for designing and implementing the control system for the balloon platform. Modeling the system's dynamics will inform the control system's design. The student will also implement the design in stratospheric balloon flights and analyze the flight test results.

Description <

With about 6.5 million patients in the US, and remaining the leading cause of lower limb amputations, chronic wounds cause a significant socioeconomic burden. The impaired healing of these wounds can be caused by multiple factors, including pathogenic infection, poor vascularization, and excessive pro-inflammatory factors, thus requiring a multidisciplinary effort for their treatment. With their biocompatibility, and modular properties, hydrogels are highly applicable to wound healing, providing a sealed moist environment with the potential for drug delivery at the wound site. Delivered drugs often come in the form of antibacterial agents, growth factors, or anti-inflammatory molecules. However, traditional hydrogels lack cohesive and adhesive strength and the ability to adapt to the evolving wound bed. Additionally, loaded antimicrobial drugs may lead to uncontrolled infection or development with the presence of multidrug-resistant pathogens. Furthermore, the polymer matrix of traditional hydrogels is incapable of performing the multifaceted functions of diverse living cells required for chronic wound healing.

The aim of this research is to develop an engineered living bacterial adhesive, formed by crosslinking genetically modified bacteria with the polymer network of a hydrogel. Capitalizing on the secretions from the engineered bacteria, the adhesive could be able to target and terminate pathogens present at infection site, promoting tissue regeneration.

Tasks per student

Bacteria culture, gel synthesis, biological characterization, mechanical testing.

Description

Advancements in healthcare demand materials and devices that integrate seamlessly with the human body for reliable, long-term health monitoring. Current on-skin devices can measure vital signs and biochemical markers but face challenges such as adhesion loss, skin irritation, and reduced functionality during extended use. These limitations hinder their effectiveness for continuous monitoring in both clinical and home settings.

This project aims to develop conformable electronics, an innovative solution combining advanced bio-adhesive materials and wireless systems. These electronics will adhere securely to the skin, maintain high-quality signal transmission, and remain functional for extended periods, such as one week. By addressing key issues such as adhesion durability, skin comfort, and dynamic usability, conformable electronics will enable seamless and reliable tracking of electrophysiological signals like ECG and EMG.

The objectives are to create materials that maintain strong adhesion, conductivity, and skin compatibility for long-term wear and to integrate these materials into flexible, wireless devices for continuous signal monitoring. This comprehensive approach will transform on-skin electronics, providing a new generation of dynamic, reliable, and user-friendly health monitoring technologies, significantly enhancing patient care in clinical and home environments.

Tasks per student

• Design and fabricate bio-adhesive materials with strong adhesion, conductivity, and skin compatibility for extended use
• Develop wireless monitoring devices integrated with bio-adhesive materials for continuous health signal tracking
• Test and optimize material performance under conditions like sweat, movement, and prolonged wear
• Prototype conformable electronics and evaluate user comfort and application ease
• Ensure stable signal transmission and reliable performance through system integration and testing

Description

Diagnostic devices including biopsy devices are frequently used to collect tissue for subsequent characterization. In particular, in endometrial cancer diagnostic, a liquid biopsy is used to collect and analyze mucus DNA for early cancer detection. The device has to maximise the amount of collected tissue and be as minimally invasive as possible. However, the DNA content is sensitive to mechanical stresses (shear stress, pressure) and to certain synthetic materials. A novel liquid biopsy system was developed combining laser micro-machining of the end effector and a flocking technique. The adherence properties of the flocking (bristles) needs to be assessed to determine that amount that could be shed during the mucus collection procedure. The adherence will be characterized using tribology tests (friction, scratch). The friction is modeled with a Stribeck friction relationship. The model characterizes the relationship between the global friction coefficient 渭 and the Hersey number (畏U/P) with 畏 the fluid viscosity, U the sliding speed and P the load. However, the model needs to be generalized to take into account the non-Newtonian behaviour mucus. An friction/abrasion prototype system was elaborated and will be used to assess the performance of the liquid biopsy device. A hydrogel phantom will also be used to replicate the in-vivo collection conditions. Adhesion testing will also use microscopy imaging to detect the presence of bristles to assess the adhesion quality of the flocking.

Tasks per student

The candidate will help develop the friction/abrasion testing setup and complete the phantom system. The candidate will also contribute for the preparation of the testing specimens using flocked biopsy devices, the samples collection, microscopy imaging and phantom development. The person will also be involved in the data analysis and empirical data modeling and report preparation..

Description

The project builds upon a previous SURE student's work, to expand upon a low-cost, high-performance hot-wire anemometer (a device employed to measure the velocity fields of turbulent flows with high temporal resolution, high spatial resolution, and good signal-to-noise ratio) that was built in the last two summers. The objectives for this project are to i) refine the hot-wire anemometry circuit, adding a few additional features, ii) incorporate a cold-wire thermometry circuit (following the design of Lemay and Jean (1997)), and iii) develop, design and test a novel, high-resolution humidity sensor, such that simultaneous measurements of velocity, temperature and humidity can be made, to measure these components in atmospheric flows.

Tasks per student

• Become familiar with the design and operation of the existing hot-wire anemometer (subsequently referred to as the prototype)
• Refine the prototype as deemed necessary
• Incorporate a cold-wire thermometry circuit into the prototype
• Investigate the development of a novel humidity sensing circuit (perhaps by way of humidity sensitive materials)
• Develop and test a humidity sensor and accompanying circuit to incorporate into the prototype
• Preparation of a specification sheet to characterize the prototype
• Prepare a report summarizing the student's activities

Description

Project related to impulsive flow phenomena associated with pulsed fusion machines. Three areas to investigate: impulsive flows past submerged obstacles, cavitation, and magnetohydrodynamic instabilities in liquid metals.

Tasks per student

• Impulsive flow past submerged obstacles
• Cavitation in liquid columns
• 听MHD instabilities in liquid columns

Description

Conventional robots are heavy, stiff, and dangerous. In contrast, soft-bodied robots are adaptable, offer variable shape and stiffness, and safety in cluttered or unstructured environments. However, soft robots are most often actuated bulky, heavy equipment such as air compressors and valves. This weight and bulk equipment hinder soft robots from reaching their potential. This project will investigate a new way to actuate soft robots acoustically by applying vibrations to the robot structure. The student will will build and run an experiment to relate the motion of a soft robotic membrane to vibrations applied to a fluidic suspension beneath it. This research will determine the possibility of creating shape-morphing, stiffness-changing robots beyond the state-of-the-art.

Tasks per student The ideal student for this project has a demonstrable interest in research, strong experimental skills, and wants to learn more about soft robotics. Tasks:

• Design an experiment to compare shape and stiffness of various soft robot morphologies to applied vibrations
• Write code that controls the mechatronic robot system and logs data
• Analyze experimental results and present findings
• Develop a soft robotic demonstration as applicable using new actuation method

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Description

Fibre-reinforced polymer matrix composites are used extensively in aerospace applications due to their high strength-to-weight and customization, yet suffer from one major flaw 鈥� their sustainability at end-of-life. Largely manufactured using thermoset polymers, these composites are not easily recycled at end-of-life as the thermoset is unable to be reprocessed following initial production. To combat these shortcomings, thermoplastic polymers have gained traction, which generally offer thermal reprocessability at the expense of lower strength (compared to thermosets). This has ultimately paved the way for a new class of polymer materials known as 鈥淰itrimers鈥�, which combine the advantageous properties of thermosets while still maintaining thermoplastic-like reprocessability through what鈥檚 known as a dynamic covalent bond. However, few commercially available vitrimer products currently exist, which proves a major barrier to their adoption in composites. Alternatively, there has been growing interest in deriving vitrimer polymers from pre-existing commercial thermosets, which in some cases can be achieved through minor modification of the starting materials and/or the addition of a vitrimer catalyst. Thermal reprocessability of the vitrimer is then typically characterized through stress relaxation tests, in which the sample is probed at different temperatures to observe the rate of its stress relaxation response. Concurrently, mechanical tests are performed to characterize changes in properties relative to the commercial thermoset that may have occurred due to the modifications. As such, there is a need to determine an optimal vitrimer catalyst concentration that enables fast stress relaxation without significant decrease in the mechanical properties.

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Tasks per student

鈥� Assisting with the manufacturing of thermoset and thermoset-derived vitrimer polymers with varying vitrimer catalyst concentration 鈥� Thermal characterization of vitrimers (e.g. degradation) 鈥� Stress relaxation testing of vitrimers to characterize vitrimer reprocessability 鈥� Benchmarking thermoset vs. vitrimer mechanical properties through tensile and/or flexural tests 鈥� Assisting with the manufacturing of a fibre-reinforced vitrimer composite

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