Theory and methods for evaluation of microstructural fatigue damage. The microstructural damage accumulation stage often consumes a significant portion of the total fatigue life of structures. However, its progressive evaluation is beyond the reach of safety inspection techniques which are currently employed to maintain structural integrity and prevent fatigue failures. This project aims to fill this gap by developing innovative methods for the measurement of material properties related to fatig ....Theory and methods for evaluation of microstructural fatigue damage. The microstructural damage accumulation stage often consumes a significant portion of the total fatigue life of structures. However, its progressive evaluation is beyond the reach of safety inspection techniques which are currently employed to maintain structural integrity and prevent fatigue failures. This project aims to fill this gap by developing innovative methods for the measurement of material properties related to fatigue damage and establishing a new theory which links these properties to the remaining life of the structure. The project outcomes will facilitate the global trend towards predictive maintenance strategies, thereby generating substantial cost benefits, specifically, for high-value assets and ageing infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Advanced hard metals: microstructure-property-processing relationships. Our aim is to understand the origins of the properties of tungsten-carbide cobalt based hard metals and how these may be tuned via alloying and processing. This is significant because hard metals are used in industrial-scale turning, milling and drilling processes to cut other materials into finished parts with precise tolerance and surface finish. The expected outcomes are increased competitiveness of Australia's aerospace, ....Advanced hard metals: microstructure-property-processing relationships. Our aim is to understand the origins of the properties of tungsten-carbide cobalt based hard metals and how these may be tuned via alloying and processing. This is significant because hard metals are used in industrial-scale turning, milling and drilling processes to cut other materials into finished parts with precise tolerance and surface finish. The expected outcomes are increased competitiveness of Australia's aerospace, agriculture, biomedical, construction, defence, mechatronics, mining, and oil and gas industries, which depend on this materials technology. The benefits will be the creation of leading expertise in advanced manufacturing, support of end-user industries and the establishment of a regional R&D focal point in hard metals.Read moreRead less
Optimised flush repairs for dissimilar composite material systems. The outcome of this research project will overcome a major technological challenge when designing repairs for dissimilar composite material systems, which are being utilised at an increasing pace in a multitude of industries. This new technological capability will help to improve the competitiveness of the Australian aerospace industry.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100059
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Vacuum induction furnace for casting titanium alloys. This titanium melting facility will provide a level of investment and national strategic focus necessary to sustain Australian competitive advantage in both titanium research and the global titanium market. The facility will support cutting-edge research and support the development of new titanium products.
A general framework for the stability and robustness of dynamical systems. Stability and robustness are crucial properties of well-engineered dynamical systems. This project aims to unify several notions of stability and robustness and to expand these notions to the emerging area of hybrid systems, which includes next generation electricity distribution networks.
Investigation of Thermotransport in Liquid Metal Alloys. This project aims to improve understanding of thermotransport to support the use of liquid metal allows in manufacture and energy transfer. The coupled flow of heat and mass (thermotransport) rapidly produces segregation in liquid metal alloys in a temperature gradient. This is a major problem in optimising the solidification from melts in manufacturing and for the design of liquid alloys for transfer of heat. Thermotransport is very poorl ....Investigation of Thermotransport in Liquid Metal Alloys. This project aims to improve understanding of thermotransport to support the use of liquid metal allows in manufacture and energy transfer. The coupled flow of heat and mass (thermotransport) rapidly produces segregation in liquid metal alloys in a temperature gradient. This is a major problem in optimising the solidification from melts in manufacturing and for the design of liquid alloys for transfer of heat. Thermotransport is very poorly understood. The project aims to achieve an understanding of the process through a combination of new theory, corresponding new experiments and advanced computer simulations. This would be a major advance in the area, supporting the development of new systems to prevent segregation.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE120102873
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$375,000.00
Summary
Securing networked control and estimation systems and safeguarding critical infrastructure. The purpose of this project is to reduce the likelihood of success, and the severity of impact, of a cyber-attack against networked control and estimation systems operating within critical infrastructure. The outcome will be a suite of algorithms, tools and design considerations for networked, industrial, control systems that satisfy this purpose.
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
Modelling and distributed control of large infrastructure networks. The main outcome of this project will be the capability to study systematically basic questions on the operation of large infrastructure systems. Methodologies for control of larger systems and security issues will be developed. Application of the techniques to several applications areas will include power grids and traffic networks.