Canadian Manufacturing

Davie supports R&D at Université du Québec in Chicoutimi to maximize the use of Canadian steel in icebreaker construction

by CM staff   

Manufacturing Research & Development Infrastructure Canadian steel Chantier Davie Canada icebreaker construction partnership Université du Québec


The project, supported by a $72,500 contribution from Davie, will be led by Professor Mousa Javidani, Ph.D., one of Canada’s foremost metallurgy experts.

Professor Mousa Javidani showing the technology employed by his team.
Photo: Davie.

LEVIS — Chantier Davie Canada Inc. (Davie) will financially support a research and development project in partnership with the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi (UQAC) aiming to maximize the use of Canadian steel in the construction of the next generation of icebreakers in Canada.

The project, supported by a $72,500 contribution from Davie, will be led by Professor Mousa Javidani, Ph.D., one of Canada’s foremost metallurgy experts. His field of expertise focuses on alloy development and microstructure engineering, computational thermodynamics and modelling of materials processing, materials characterization and analysis methods, material mechanical properties, and deformation processes.

“Our objective is to gain a better understanding of commercial steel grades for use in low-temperature conditions, common joining technics of critical components composed of high-grade steel, and potential alternatives for commercially available materials,” said Mousa Javidani, Ph.D., Professor, Applied Science Department, UQAC.

One of the most important challenges in ship design and construction is the impact of cold temperatures on steel performance. This factor demands meticulous attention and assessment of the vessel’s structural integrity. However, there is a scarcity of research findings in the literature, which mainly concentrate on the properties of a handful of steel grades under cold climate conditions. Moreover, most of these steel grades aren’t produced in Canada.

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To tackle those challenges, a research program is required to examine the performance and properties of high-grade steels manufactured within Canada. This program will involve conducting modelling and experimental trials to assess the critical properties of these steels, including toughness and tensile strength, adapted to the service temperatures corresponding to their application in ships. Through this research, will be valuable insights into future research and development areas that will optimize the use of Canadian steels in shipbuilding.

“We believe that Davie’s success is linked to innovation,” said Ahmad Amini, Senior Naval Architect at Davie and leading this initiative. “We also recognize that construction of a new generation of Canadian icebreakers requires comprehensive research and review to ensure that new and existing technologies are not overlooked.”

Ultimately, the work conducted by UQAC and Davie will contribute to strengthening the Canadian steel industry and the Canadian shipbuilding industry. The program will also provide a foundation for long-term, multidisciplinary, market-driven research partnership with academia, and offer a rich environment for training of highly qualified personnel.

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