Development of Advanced Fracture Mechanics Models and Novel Technical Tools for Integrity, Durability and Safety Assessment. The proposed project will lead to the new understanding of fracture phenomena and structural integrity. It will create a range of novel computer based technical tools for life and integrity assessment of structures in the presence of cracks and other defects, so as to meet the high safety standards across a wide range of industries. The project will result in technology th ....Development of Advanced Fracture Mechanics Models and Novel Technical Tools for Integrity, Durability and Safety Assessment. The proposed project will lead to the new understanding of fracture phenomena and structural integrity. It will create a range of novel computer based technical tools for life and integrity assessment of structures in the presence of cracks and other defects, so as to meet the high safety standards across a wide range of industries. The project will result in technology that will help to make Australian products stronger and more durable so they become more competitive with low cost overseas imports. All the research outcomes will have a direct benefit to Australian interests, including both public and private industries.Read moreRead less
A Cluster Randomised Controlled Trial Of Nurse And General Practitioner Partnership For Care Of COPD
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$449,377.00
Summary
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that can progress to severe disability and use of hospital services. It is an important cause of both death and disability in Australia. Specifically it is the third leading cause of disease burden after heart disease and stroke. Smoking is the most important cause of the disease and there is strong evidence that smoking cessation will largely prevent progression of COPD. National evidence based guidelines for management of COPD w ....Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a chronic disease that can progress to severe disability and use of hospital services. It is an important cause of both death and disability in Australia. Specifically it is the third leading cause of disease burden after heart disease and stroke. Smoking is the most important cause of the disease and there is strong evidence that smoking cessation will largely prevent progression of COPD. National evidence based guidelines for management of COPD were published in 2003 but these need to be implemented in the community. General practice is well placed to have a key role in early intervention and evidence based management of COPD. There is evidence that specialised nurses working in collaboration with GPs can improve the care the chronic illnesses including COPD. Care Plans with input from health professionals from a range of disciplines have been recommended for COPD but there are barriers to implementing these in general practice. This project brings together nurse assistance and care planning in a model of care designed to deliver best practice management of COPD in the community. The aim of this research is to evaluate the impact of anurse and GP partnership for care of COPD. We will examine the effect on quality of care and health outcomes at 6 and 12 months follow up. Our hypothesis is that the use of a nurse to work as a team with the patient and GP to develop and implement a care plan based on clinical practice guidelines will improve the quality of care received and have a beneficial effect on the patients' respiratory and overall health. This research will be of major significance for improving COPD care in the community and will have far reaching implications for both policy and practice. It will also define a new role for nurses and GPs working in partnership.Read moreRead less
A hybrid approach to predict the structure-borne noise transmission in ship structures using a waveguide method and Statistical Energy Analysis. The prediction of structure-borne noise transmission in large welded ship structures is required, in order to design maritime vessels with greater ship power and reduced weight, without increasing the noise levels. The aim of this project is to develop a hybrid approach for structural dynamic analyses using an analytical waveguide method and Statistical ....A hybrid approach to predict the structure-borne noise transmission in ship structures using a waveguide method and Statistical Energy Analysis. The prediction of structure-borne noise transmission in large welded ship structures is required, in order to design maritime vessels with greater ship power and reduced weight, without increasing the noise levels. The aim of this project is to develop a hybrid approach for structural dynamic analyses using an analytical waveguide method and Statistical Energy Analysis. The theoretical estimation and associated experimental measurement of the SEA parameters (modal density, coupling and internal loss factors) form the basis for the hybrid approach. The outcomes will result in improved predictive techniques for dynamic analyses of large complex resonant structures.Read moreRead less
Reconfiguring ideology: embodying China's new concepts of heritage in commemorative rituals. Knowledge of China's newly listed and recently revived commemorative rituals is of international significance, and in the era of rising religiosity and civil religion, this study of the state sponsored 'heritage cults' will provide an understanding of the changing terrain of identity, tradition and cultural value in a country that is of crucial importance and increasing significance for Australia.
Structural and multidisciplinary optimization. Structural and multidisciplinary design optimization is an important subject in aeronautical, aerospace, automobile, offshore platforms and many other structures. This project aims to address design optimization of coupled structures, with a focus on electro-mechanical coupled structures. It is expected to coordinate an integrated effort to develop efficient and effective algorithms for optimum design of electro-mechanical coupled structures.
The Aboriginal Cardiovascular Omega-3 Randomised Controlled Trial
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$1,090,119.00
Summary
CVD is the primary contributor to life expectancy differentials between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Even when cardioprotective therapies are optimally used, residual risk of adverse events is often observed. Testing of additional therapies that improve survival among Indigenous people with CVD is required. Omega 3 fatty acids can improve multiple atherogenic pathways. This trial will assess the impact of Omega 3 in Aboriginal patients with CVD.
Shape adaptive structures with built-in compact smart material based actuators. Primary Australian aerospace manufacturers are sub-contractors and constantly compete in the global market. Their products are primarily control surfaces, e.g., Boeing 757 and 777 rudders, 737 Krueger flaps. In light of the development of the hingeless control surfaces (HCS) in the smart aircraft wing program in the USA, the economic benefits of this project are very high because (a) it will address the key technolo ....Shape adaptive structures with built-in compact smart material based actuators. Primary Australian aerospace manufacturers are sub-contractors and constantly compete in the global market. Their products are primarily control surfaces, e.g., Boeing 757 and 777 rudders, 737 Krueger flaps. In light of the development of the hingeless control surfaces (HCS) in the smart aircraft wing program in the USA, the economic benefits of this project are very high because (a) it will address the key technological issue identified in the HCS program; and (b) it will enhance Australian manufacturers¡¯ technological standing and input in the design and manufacturing of next generation HCS by providing highly trained people with world-leading niche technology.Read moreRead less
Recently discovered rare manuscripts of mediaeval Pali subcommentaries: a missing link in Buddhist textual transmission. The project will "enhance Australia's capacity to interpret and engage with its regional environment through a greater understanding of languages, societies and cultures" (Research priority 4: Understanding our region and the world); it will deepen our understanding of religious and cultural traditions of many Buddhist countries, which constitute a substantial part of Australi ....Recently discovered rare manuscripts of mediaeval Pali subcommentaries: a missing link in Buddhist textual transmission. The project will "enhance Australia's capacity to interpret and engage with its regional environment through a greater understanding of languages, societies and cultures" (Research priority 4: Understanding our region and the world); it will deepen our understanding of religious and cultural traditions of many Buddhist countries, which constitute a substantial part of Australia's regional environment, and advance our knowledge of Buddhism, the fastest growing religion in Australia. Since this is the first project of its kind in the field of Pali studies, it will increase the international prestige of Australian research capability and open new possibilities for international cooperation in the field.Read moreRead less
Active shape control of large thin-walled structures using ferroelectric single crystals. Ferroelectric single crystals were invented 5 years ago, and they possess many superior properties compared to conventional piezoelectric materials, particularly the induced strain up to 1.5%, an order higher than conventional materials. This project aims to poineer the application of these new and powerful smart materials as actuators and sensors to shape control of smart structures. The expected outcome ....Active shape control of large thin-walled structures using ferroelectric single crystals. Ferroelectric single crystals were invented 5 years ago, and they possess many superior properties compared to conventional piezoelectric materials, particularly the induced strain up to 1.5%, an order higher than conventional materials. This project aims to poineer the application of these new and powerful smart materials as actuators and sensors to shape control of smart structures. The expected outcomes are (a) a new constitutive theory for the non-linear behaviour of ferroelectric single crystals; (b) a novel definition and formulation for the shape control problem; and (c) an innovative theoretical framework for design optimization of shape control of smart structures using ferroelectric single crystals.Read moreRead less
Morphing flexible structures with lead lanthanum zirconium titanate (PLZT) based optical actuators. Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) materials yield mechanical strains when exposed to near ultraviolet light as a result of combined photovoltaic and converse piezoelectric effects. They offer actuation strain on par with piezoelectric materials and other advantages, such as wireless light-to-mechanical energy transfer, immunity from electrical and magnetic disturbances and fast response wi ....Morphing flexible structures with lead lanthanum zirconium titanate (PLZT) based optical actuators. Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) materials yield mechanical strains when exposed to near ultraviolet light as a result of combined photovoltaic and converse piezoelectric effects. They offer actuation strain on par with piezoelectric materials and other advantages, such as wireless light-to-mechanical energy transfer, immunity from electrical and magnetic disturbances and fast response with the transparent electrode design. This project aims to pioneer the application of PLZT optical actuators in morphing flexible structures leading to development of wireless smart structures technology and opt-electromechanical systems such as medical instruments.Read moreRead less