2024 Steel Intern Scholarship - Benjamin F. Fairless
Nicolas R. Canedo-Arguelles
Before my internship at ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton, I worked on a continuous casting project sponsored by ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. as a University of Toronto summer research student. I found the experiments and work related to particle image velocimetry (PIV) of casting flows very interesting; thus, I was very excited to learn that I had received an internship at ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. — sponsored by the AIST Foundation through the Steel Intern Scholar program — to continue the experiments this year.
Specifically, I conduct experiments on a full-scale water mold at the University of Toronto. Our experimental equipment includes a class 4 sheet laser and a high-speed camera to illuminate and capture seeded fluorescent polymer particles in the mold. In addition to PIV data, we use sensors for velocity point measurements that can be compared to the entire velocity field provided by PIV. Together, this data can yield critical insights into the effects of casting parameters such as the casting speed or the argon injection rate. Additionally, to process all the collected data, I have developed customizable Python scripts that generate quantitative and qualitative data for easier pattern recognition.
While I have learned a lot through experiments about the steel industry and continuous casting, I have also learned about professionalism, networking, and effective communication from coworkers and mentors. These skills will help me thrive in future positions and create a positive working environment for others. Additionally, I have had the chance to present in several ‘Innovation Seminars’ about my work and the results I have achieved. These seminars were great opportunities to practice my presentation and communication skills for professional audiences. I am very grateful to have had these opportunities as I now feel more comfortable in these scenarios and can more clearly express my thoughts to others.
One thing that stood out to me during my internship was the safety culture of ArcelorMittal Dofasco. At the start of my internship, I was enrolled in a full-week onboarding course emphasizing workplace safety and hazard awareness. Since then, I have become more aware of my surroundings and the hazards that may lead to injury. This awareness has led to no injuries during my internship, thus contributing to the company’s goal to have zero severe lost-time injuries and fatalities. In addition to not having any injuries, I conducted a safety campaign at our lab where general housekeeping and hazard recognition were done to avoid future injuries and enhance productivity within the environment. This successful campaign has made my time in the lab much more enjoyable.
My internship at ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton has surpassed my expectations. Although most of my work was for one project — the analysis of casting flows within a full-scale water mold model — I have participated in seminars, a continuous casting course, safety courses, and many other events. Thus, I better understand the steel industry, its future, and its professional opportunities.
Before my internship at ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton, I worked on a continuous casting project sponsored by ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. as a University of Toronto summer research student. I found the experiments and work related to particle image velocimetry (PIV) of casting flows very interesting; thus, I was very excited to learn that I had received an internship at ArcelorMittal Dofasco G.P. — sponsored by the AIST Foundation through the Steel Intern Scholar program — to continue the experiments this year.
Specifically, I conduct experiments on a full-scale water mold at the University of Toronto. Our experimental equipment includes a class 4 sheet laser and a high-speed camera to illuminate and capture seeded fluorescent polymer particles in the mold. In addition to PIV data, we use sensors for velocity point measurements that can be compared to the entire velocity field provided by PIV. Together, this data can yield critical insights into the effects of casting parameters such as the casting speed or the argon injection rate. Additionally, to process all the collected data, I have developed customizable Python scripts that generate quantitative and qualitative data for easier pattern recognition.
While I have learned a lot through experiments about the steel industry and continuous casting, I have also learned about professionalism, networking, and effective communication from coworkers and mentors. These skills will help me thrive in future positions and create a positive working environment for others. Additionally, I have had the chance to present in several ‘Innovation Seminars’ about my work and the results I have achieved. These seminars were great opportunities to practice my presentation and communication skills for professional audiences. I am very grateful to have had these opportunities as I now feel more comfortable in these scenarios and can more clearly express my thoughts to others.
One thing that stood out to me during my internship was the safety culture of ArcelorMittal Dofasco. At the start of my internship, I was enrolled in a full-week onboarding course emphasizing workplace safety and hazard awareness. Since then, I have become more aware of my surroundings and the hazards that may lead to injury. This awareness has led to no injuries during my internship, thus contributing to the company’s goal to have zero severe lost-time injuries and fatalities. In addition to not having any injuries, I conducted a safety campaign at our lab where general housekeeping and hazard recognition were done to avoid future injuries and enhance productivity within the environment. This successful campaign has made my time in the lab much more enjoyable.
My internship at ArcelorMittal Global R&D Hamilton has surpassed my expectations. Although most of my work was for one project — the analysis of casting flows within a full-scale water mold model — I have participated in seminars, a continuous casting course, safety courses, and many other events. Thus, I better understand the steel industry, its future, and its professional opportunities.