Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. This project aims to develop a novel, low activation and liquid helium-free superconducting solution with superior electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal properties for use in fusion reactors. Superconducting magnets and their associated cryogenic cooling systems represent a key determinant of thermal efficiency and the construction/operating costs of fusion reactors. The project expects to overcome these barriers so tha ....Nanostructure engineered low activation superconductors for fusion energy. This project aims to develop a novel, low activation and liquid helium-free superconducting solution with superior electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal properties for use in fusion reactors. Superconducting magnets and their associated cryogenic cooling systems represent a key determinant of thermal efficiency and the construction/operating costs of fusion reactors. The project expects to overcome these barriers so that widespread uptake of these reactors becomes viable. Outcomes from the project will include a fundamental understanding of pure and doping-induced isotopic magnesium diboride superconductors and their behaviour under high neutron flux and harsh plasma atmosphere, which are specifically designed for application in next-generation, low-cost fusion reactors.Read moreRead less
Control of Thermodiffusion in Liquid Multicomponent Alloys. Aims: The project aims to comprehensively study heat and mass coupling in liquid alloys by describing it mathematically, measuring it experimentally and calculating it by simulation. Significance: When a liquid alloy exists at different temperatures, the coupling of heat and mass flows causes rapid segregation of its components. This is a major complication in controlling solidification from liquid alloys in manufacturing and in the des ....Control of Thermodiffusion in Liquid Multicomponent Alloys. Aims: The project aims to comprehensively study heat and mass coupling in liquid alloys by describing it mathematically, measuring it experimentally and calculating it by simulation. Significance: When a liquid alloy exists at different temperatures, the coupling of heat and mass flows causes rapid segregation of its components. This is a major complication in controlling solidification from liquid alloys in manufacturing and in the design of liquid alloy coolants for efficient heat transfer. It has never been addressed. Expected outcomes: This research is expected to be the pioneering foundation of the area. Benefits: It is anticipated that the research would provide the means to properly control the engineering use of liquid alloys. Read moreRead less
Regulating guest transport in microporous materials by electric field. This project aims to address the fundamentals and applications of regulating micropore accessibility. It has long been known that some highly adsorbing molecular sieves suddenly become inaccessible to gases below certain temperatures. Following a recent breakthrough in elucidating the mechanism of such temperature-regulated guest admission, this project will explore electrical regulation of micropore accessibility in conjunct ....Regulating guest transport in microporous materials by electric field. This project aims to address the fundamentals and applications of regulating micropore accessibility. It has long been known that some highly adsorbing molecular sieves suddenly become inaccessible to gases below certain temperatures. Following a recent breakthrough in elucidating the mechanism of such temperature-regulated guest admission, this project will explore electrical regulation of micropore accessibility in conjunction with developing new mechanisms, materials, and control tools for applications, including tunable molecular sieves, valves and gas encapsulation devices. The outcomes of this project will generate new knowledge in the active manipulation of the admission and release of guest molecules in/out of microporous materials, and establish new expertise and capabilities that can advance gas separation, storage and sensing technologies. It is expected that this project will contribute to the long term benefit in low emission energy supplies and Australia's natural gas industry, improve the separation efficiency of our chemical industry, and boost the development of the hydrogen economy.Read moreRead less