R&D collaboration: mechanical simulation & multi-layer polymer bonding for advanced sports platform - BC-1031

Genre de projet: Recherche
Discipline(s) souhaitée(s): Génie - mécanique, Génie, Génie - autre
Entreprise: Anonymous
Durée du projet: 6 mois à 1 an
Date souhaitée de début: Dès que possible
Langue exigée: Anglais
Emplacement(s): Burnaby, BC, Canada
Nombre de postes: 1
Niveau de scolarité désiré: CollègeÉtudes de premier cycle/baccalauréatMaîtriseDoctoratRecherche postdoctoraleNouvelle diplômée/nouveau diplômé
Ouvert aux candidatures de personnes inscrites à un établissement à l’extérieur du Canada: No

Au sujet de l’entreprise: 

My company is an advanced athletic-technology development firm based in BC, Canada. We specialize in the engineering and commercialization of progressive-performance sports platforms designed to optimize biomechanical kinetic feedback while maintaining a strong commitment to sustainable manufacturing.
Through this proposed Mitacs Accelerate project, the company is tackling key material science and mechanical engineering uncertainties to commercialize a novel 2.5 to 2.75 inch multi composite golf hitting matrix. A major structural goal of this project is the integration of high density, vulcanized recycled tire crumbs to divert industrial waste from landfills, directly aligning with BC's cleantech and circular economy priorities.
Our primary technical challenge lies in managing high velocity impact physics and resolving complex interfacial polymer bonding across highly dissimilar, recycled materials. Mitacs research funding will enable us to partner with leading academic researchers to perform advanced Finite Element Analysis modeling and interface adhesion testing.
The successful completion of this project will result in a highly durable, commercializable athletic training product, creating valuable domestic IP and establishing a scalable methodology for upcycling complex vulcanized industrial rubber within the consumer goods market.

Veuillez décrire le projet.: 

Project
This project focuses on the engineering, material optimization, and structural simulation of a high-performance, 2.75-inch multi-composite golf hitting matrix designed to eliminate joint-jarring kinetic feedback during high-velocity impacts.

Company Goal
Our primary goal is to commercialize a durable, retail-ready physical athletic training platform. Crucially, the product’s base utilizes a 0.625-inch high-density, vulcanized recycled tire-crumb rubber layer. By resolving the material-science bottleneck of bonding inert recycled rubber to consumer elastomers, the final product will successfully upcycle industrial waste and divert it from landfills.

Candidate Tasks
Structural Modeling: Simulate the progressive, inward buckling threshold of our 1.0-inch Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) core’s custom catenary (hourglass) cell geometry under high-velocity clubhead forces (between 70 - 130 mph clubhead speed/I can help and be the test subject as I’m an ex-pro golfer).
Adhesion Engineering: Resolve complex interfacial bonding challenges at two critical junctions—between the top 0.125-inch ABS-Polyurethane foam and the TPE core, and between the TPE core and the cross-linked recycled rubber base.

Methodology & Techniques
Mechanical Simulation: Utilizing high-fidelity Finite Element Analysis software (e.g., ANSYS, LS-DYNA, or Abaqus) to model stress distribution, material fatigue, and structural buckling under dynamic impact.
Polymer Science: Evaluating chemical compatibilizers, surface functionalization, thermal lamination parameters, or reactive two-part polyurethane structural adhesives.
Experimental Testing: Conducting physical peel/shear testing to evaluate interfacial bond durability under cyclic loading, alongside mechanical and acoustic dampening analysis.

Expertise ou compétences exigées: 

Target Candidate Level:
The ideal candidate is a Master’s or PhD student with advanced polymer chemistry experience in Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, or Polymer Engineering.
Skills & Experience:
FEA: Proven experience setting up and running dynamic, high-velocity impact simulations. Advanced proficiency in industry-standard solver software—specifically ANSYS, LS-DYNA, or Abaqus—is required.
Solid Mechanics: Deep understanding of non-linear material behavior, elastomer deformation, stress distribution, and transient structural analysis.
Polymer Chemistry & Adhesion Science: Hands-on experience with polymer characterization, interfacial adhesion mechanics, thermal lamination, or formulating structural two-part polyurethane/epoxy adhesives.
Experimental Testing: Experience operating mechanical testing equipment for lap-shear and peel testing.
Optional:
Familiarity with circular-economy materials, specifically upcycling vulcanized tire-crumb rubber or working with TPE.
Basic experience utilizing CAD platforms for technical design adjustments and 3D prototyping.