Faculty: Dr. A. N. Hrymak

 

 

Dr. Hrymak Professor
Department of Chemical Engineering
email:  hrymak@mcmaster.ca

Dean of Engineering University of Western Ontario
email: ahrymak@uwo.ca

 

Associate Editor, Computers & Chemical Engineering
Editor in Chief, International Polymer Processing



B.Eng. McMaster University (1980), Ph.D. Carnegie Mellon University (1985), P.Eng. (Ontario) FCIC

Research Projects

Current Work

We use computational fluid dynamics, finite element and finite volume methods, for problems with free and moving boundaries, as well as complex interfaces. Most of the problems I work on are materials processing related, usually with an industry sponsor.

I am interested in problems with compex rheology and multiple phases - e.g. liquid-liquid dispersions and particle-liquid flows. My group does both computational and experimental work in these types of systems

Our group does computer simulation and experiments in a number of important polymer processing operations, including: mixing (twin-screw extruders, static mixers, impingement mixing), die design, reactive processing, injection molding, liquid coating and rheology.

Past Work

We have studied pulp processing, specifically modelling brownstock washing, the fluid
mechanics of flow in pulp pads, displacement washing and the role of defoamers. A continuing interest
of mine has been in the development of process models and optimization of chemical plants.
I am interested in the development of problem-based learning methods in the area of process analysis

Here is a listing of previous Master's and PhD students I have supervised and their thesis titles

Current Projects

  • Complex fluid rheology and mixing for liquid-liquid and liquid-solid dispersions (supported by Procter & Gamble)
  • Polymer adhesives for automotive applications (supported by 3M Canada and Ontario Centres of Excellence in collaboration with Dr. D. Cronin of the University of Waterloo)
  • The effects of heat transfer and shear on crystallization (supported by Procter & Gamble)
  • Development of models for particle migration to moving rollers in hot dip galvanizing baths (supported by Teck Cominco and Ontario Centres of Excellence)
  • Experimental and modeling studies of dispersions of particles in slot coating dies and dip coating (supported by NSERC and the Xerox Foundation)
  • Coating models and experiments for air knife galvanized steel hot dip coatings (supported by the International Lead and Zinc Research Organization and in collaboration with Dr. J. McDermid)
  • Development of packaging materials using starch-based thermoplastics using potato starch (supported by BioPotato Network)
  • Micromolding (supported by NSERC)


Conferences

Technical Program Organizing Committee, World Congress of Chemical Engineering, August 2009, http://www.wcce8.org
Session organizer, FOCAPD 2009,  Breckenridge, Colorado, June 7-12, 2009  http://www.focapd.org/
 Technical Program Chair, Polymer Processing Society Annual Meeting, July 4-7, 2010 Banff, Alberta. http://www.pps-26.com/