Understanding evolution in natural systems using robotic models. This project aims to build biologically-inspired robotic and computational systems, and then modify these in ways which are either not possible, or have not yet occurred in natural systems. A comparison of these two systems will then allow a quantitative understanding of how well optimised biological structures are and where the limitations to optimisation lie. Expected outcomes include advancing the understanding of evolutionary p ....Understanding evolution in natural systems using robotic models. This project aims to build biologically-inspired robotic and computational systems, and then modify these in ways which are either not possible, or have not yet occurred in natural systems. A comparison of these two systems will then allow a quantitative understanding of how well optimised biological structures are and where the limitations to optimisation lie. Expected outcomes include advancing the understanding of evolutionary processes, and will provide significant benefits, such as aiding the manufacture of efficient autonomous robots.Read moreRead less
Supervised autonomy for AUVs using limited bandwidth communication channels. This project aims to improve the feedback link between robotic platforms and an operator, to increase the effectiveness of underwater survey operations. During surveys, some level of adaptation is required to allow underwater robots to respond to the data they are collecting. It is often difficult to reliably program an autonomous system to identify salient data, particularly when the mission involves searching for part ....Supervised autonomy for AUVs using limited bandwidth communication channels. This project aims to improve the feedback link between robotic platforms and an operator, to increase the effectiveness of underwater survey operations. During surveys, some level of adaptation is required to allow underwater robots to respond to the data they are collecting. It is often difficult to reliably program an autonomous system to identify salient data, particularly when the mission involves searching for particular features whose sensor signatures may be difficult to determine a priori. In contrast, humans are generally good at quickly identifying important data or determining when a mission is not achieving its goals. The project aims to develop novel acoustic communication schemes that will allow communication between the human operator and the underwater robot, exploiting developments in machine learning, network and communication theory.Read moreRead less
The influence of sway-roll coupling on the dynamics of an inverted sailing yacht in waves. The ability of a sailing yacht to re-right in waves after capsize will influence the safety of those on board in extreme conditions.
The aim of this project is to incorporate the effects of sway-roll coupling into a numerical simulation of the behaviour of an inverted yacht in waves to assess design features which influence re-righting. Experimental work being conducted during 2001 will be extended to ....The influence of sway-roll coupling on the dynamics of an inverted sailing yacht in waves. The ability of a sailing yacht to re-right in waves after capsize will influence the safety of those on board in extreme conditions.
The aim of this project is to incorporate the effects of sway-roll coupling into a numerical simulation of the behaviour of an inverted yacht in waves to assess design features which influence re-righting. Experimental work being conducted during 2001 will be extended to enable the forces on a model of an inverted yacht in a breaking wave to be determined. and incorporated along with theoretical predictions into the simulation.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0239920
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$195,000.00
Summary
Control of free/dissolved gas content in a cavitation tunnel. The proposed equipment is for increased productivity and enhancing research capability of the Tom Fink Cavitation Tunnel located at the Australian Maritime College.
The cavitation tunnel is used for investigating flows about ships and underwater bodies.
The proposed equipment permits the rapid control of gas content in the tunnel water either dissolved or free as bubbles which together control the nature of cavitation and other ....Control of free/dissolved gas content in a cavitation tunnel. The proposed equipment is for increased productivity and enhancing research capability of the Tom Fink Cavitation Tunnel located at the Australian Maritime College.
The cavitation tunnel is used for investigating flows about ships and underwater bodies.
The proposed equipment permits the rapid control of gas content in the tunnel water either dissolved or free as bubbles which together control the nature of cavitation and other two phase flows.
The equipment will significant enhance existing research programs in support of the high speed craft and defence sectors of the maritime industry both nationally and internationally.Read moreRead less
Supervised autonomy for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) using limited bandwidth communication channels. The project aims to improve the feedback link between an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) and an operator by developing novel acoustic communication schemes that exploit developments in machine learning, network, and communication theory and represents a step towards truly autonomous and intelligent surveying using AUV systems.
Dual input clutchless power-shifting transmission for hybrid vehicles. This project studies a newly proposed clutchless power-shifting transmission (CPT) for hybrid and electric vehicle applications. It aims to design new methods and actuators for power-on gear change to realise the best possible performance of the CPT, and through simulation and experimentation evaluate the system performance and response under both steady state and transient conditions. The proposed transmission is expected to ....Dual input clutchless power-shifting transmission for hybrid vehicles. This project studies a newly proposed clutchless power-shifting transmission (CPT) for hybrid and electric vehicle applications. It aims to design new methods and actuators for power-on gear change to realise the best possible performance of the CPT, and through simulation and experimentation evaluate the system performance and response under both steady state and transient conditions. The proposed transmission is expected to significantly reduce the efficiency losses present in modern vehicles and establish new techniques for achieving gear and mode changes that do not rely on friction clutches. It is anticipated that these novel technologies will provide new direction for developing the next generation of very high efficiency automotive power train technologies.Read moreRead less
Analysis and modeling of driving patterns for limited-range electric vehicles. The electrification of the personal transport sector seems to be only a matter of time. It is important to study and model the effects of this sector now, in order to recommend decision makers on issues like standardization and infrastructure planning. Understanding and being able to predict EV driving and charging patterns will allow us to provide planning assistance for:
· Effects of day-time dependent energy pri ....Analysis and modeling of driving patterns for limited-range electric vehicles. The electrification of the personal transport sector seems to be only a matter of time. It is important to study and model the effects of this sector now, in order to recommend decision makers on issues like standardization and infrastructure planning. Understanding and being able to predict EV driving and charging patterns will allow us to provide planning assistance for:
· Effects of day-time dependent energy pricing structure on EV charging behavior
· Optimal energy pricing to encourage off-peak charging
· Optimal number and location of EV charging stations
· Expected uptake of PHEV/EVs depending on petrol, electricity and conversion cost
· Expected additional energy demand for EVs and PHEVs with day-time energy usage pattern
Read moreRead less
Cost-effective autonomous systems for large scale monitoring of marine protected areas. This project seeks to develop autonomous technologies that will enable Australia's expanding system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to more effectively preserve marine biodiversity and long term ecosystem function through scalable, cost-effective monitoring. Monitoring will enable MPA managers to assess whether preservation and sustainability goals are being met and to adapt zoning policies in response. Au ....Cost-effective autonomous systems for large scale monitoring of marine protected areas. This project seeks to develop autonomous technologies that will enable Australia's expanding system of marine protected areas (MPAs) to more effectively preserve marine biodiversity and long term ecosystem function through scalable, cost-effective monitoring. Monitoring will enable MPA managers to assess whether preservation and sustainability goals are being met and to adapt zoning policies in response. Australia will benefit from informed sustainable use policies that preserve the marine environment for future generations without unnecessarily restricting recreational and commercial access today.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE170100134
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$360,000.00
Summary
Electrifying commercial vehicles in Australia. This project aims to develop alternative hybrid electric and pure electric vehicle technologies for the Australian commercial vehicle sector. Worldwide concern about greenhouse gases and stringent vehicle fuel consumption have changed vehicle driveline systems, and created demand for hybrid and electric automotive technologies. This project will examine different powertrain configurations for commercial vehicles, and use numerical simulations to eva ....Electrifying commercial vehicles in Australia. This project aims to develop alternative hybrid electric and pure electric vehicle technologies for the Australian commercial vehicle sector. Worldwide concern about greenhouse gases and stringent vehicle fuel consumption have changed vehicle driveline systems, and created demand for hybrid and electric automotive technologies. This project will examine different powertrain configurations for commercial vehicles, and use numerical simulations to evaluate vehicle fuel economy, life cycle emissions and life cycle costs and demonstrate the benefits of these alternatives. These vehicle technologies have the potential to reduce fuel in this sector by up to 50%, and reduce vehicle emissions and operational costs across the commercial transportation sector.Read moreRead less
From diesel to electric: a new era in personnel transport for underground coal mines. There are many factors which give rise to poor air quality in underground coal mines with the diesel engines used to transport miners being one of the major contributors. This project will develop an alternative electric power system for these vehicles which will not only be zero emission but meet the challenging environment found in these mines.