Investigation of 1/f noise mechanisms in HgCdTe heterostructure IR photodiodes. Since the performance of any photon detector is defined by its signal to noise ratio, the reduction of noise generating mechanisms is equally important to improvement of the signal. In this project we propose to carry out, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of noise generating mechanisms in HgCdTe detectors using recently developed, two-dimensional analysis procedure. The main objective of this project is t ....Investigation of 1/f noise mechanisms in HgCdTe heterostructure IR photodiodes. Since the performance of any photon detector is defined by its signal to noise ratio, the reduction of noise generating mechanisms is equally important to improvement of the signal. In this project we propose to carry out, for the first time, a comprehensive analysis of noise generating mechanisms in HgCdTe detectors using recently developed, two-dimensional analysis procedure. The main objective of this project is to prove that 1/f noise in HgCdTe photodetectors is caused by dark current fluctuations in the high electric field regions of the detector structure. The primary outcome of this work will be the first comprehensive two-dimensional device model that can predict 1/f noise in a semiconductor device.Read moreRead less
The Influence of Fracture Network Topology on Fluid Flow in the Subsurface. This project focuses on developing methods for the simulation of fluid flow in fractured rock aquifers. Given the large computational requirements involved in modelling discretely fractured rock masses, scaling approaches are required to allow for simulation at field scales. The sensitivity of the scaling to the parameters describing the fracture network will be investigated. It is anticipated that the scaled function ....The Influence of Fracture Network Topology on Fluid Flow in the Subsurface. This project focuses on developing methods for the simulation of fluid flow in fractured rock aquifers. Given the large computational requirements involved in modelling discretely fractured rock masses, scaling approaches are required to allow for simulation at field scales. The sensitivity of the scaling to the parameters describing the fracture network will be investigated. It is anticipated that the scaled functional relationships will be quite network specific, and that the identification of the controls on the form of the scaling relationships will allow for the focussing of data acquisition to the most salient information, and will reduce the costs involved.Read moreRead less
Predicting strength of porous materials. This project aims to develop a predictive theory of strength for unflawed, low-ductile porous materials – an unsolved problem in computational solid mechanics. Three-dimensional printing of lightweight, porous materials is used in industry, medicine and science. The project will develop the theory and conduct experiments on porous metallic and polymeric samples made using additive manufacturing, which require understanding and optimisation of the building ....Predicting strength of porous materials. This project aims to develop a predictive theory of strength for unflawed, low-ductile porous materials – an unsolved problem in computational solid mechanics. Three-dimensional printing of lightweight, porous materials is used in industry, medicine and science. The project will develop the theory and conduct experiments on porous metallic and polymeric samples made using additive manufacturing, which require understanding and optimisation of the building of fine scale features. Understanding strength should improve design of stronger materials, by using and extending the capabilities of three-dimensional printing. These advances will further provide a much-needed basis for a fundamental understanding of fracture in other porous materials important to society such as concrete, rocks, porous ceramics and bone implants.Read moreRead less
Probing the internal contacts of all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. The results of this research will enable the development of robust and reliable all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. These sensors will enable solutions to significant environmental problems such as soil salinity and acidity, and may pave the way for new and exciting analytical applications, e.g., miniaturized implantable sensors for in-vivo use, microfluidics and Forensic Science, single blood droplet clinical analyzers, ....Probing the internal contacts of all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. The results of this research will enable the development of robust and reliable all solid-state polymeric ion sensors. These sensors will enable solutions to significant environmental problems such as soil salinity and acidity, and may pave the way for new and exciting analytical applications, e.g., miniaturized implantable sensors for in-vivo use, microfluidics and Forensic Science, single blood droplet clinical analyzers, rugged solid contact ion sensors for use in submersible oceanographic analyzers, etc. The research will develop a unique in-situ neutron reflectometry technique for the study of electrochemical interfaces, providing scientific opportunities for the new Australian Replacement Research Reactor.Read moreRead less
Probing the interfaces of electrochemical sensors. The nanostructured surfaces of electrochemical sensors for iron, mercury and cadmium will be characterised by using a range of state-of-the-art surface analysis techniques. Whilst electrochemical sensors are extremely valuable in monitoring of trace metals in the aquatic environment, a knowledge of the surface chemical physics of the systems is vital in order to widen their use in analytical/environmental chemistry. This project will derive a u ....Probing the interfaces of electrochemical sensors. The nanostructured surfaces of electrochemical sensors for iron, mercury and cadmium will be characterised by using a range of state-of-the-art surface analysis techniques. Whilst electrochemical sensors are extremely valuable in monitoring of trace metals in the aquatic environment, a knowledge of the surface chemical physics of the systems is vital in order to widen their use in analytical/environmental chemistry. This project will derive a universal model for the surface chemistry and physics of electrochemical sensors, enabling environmental scientists to develop unique sensor methods for studying the speciation of environmentally important trace metals such as those mentioned above.Read moreRead less
Rapid structural condition assessment using adaptive model updating. The proposed project has potential to significantly enhance the accuracy with which the condition (and hence load bearing capacity) of existing infrastructure can be determined. By providing a technique of model updating that can be applied effectively in real time, location of damage will be able to be determined accurately. Economic benefits will be reaped, both through saving infrastructure from demolition where the conditio ....Rapid structural condition assessment using adaptive model updating. The proposed project has potential to significantly enhance the accuracy with which the condition (and hence load bearing capacity) of existing infrastructure can be determined. By providing a technique of model updating that can be applied effectively in real time, location of damage will be able to be determined accurately. Economic benefits will be reaped, both through saving infrastructure from demolition where the condition is found to be adequate, and by replacing or repairing inadequate structures before costly failure occurs. This is particularly important as much of Australia's infrastructure is aging, and unnecessary periodic replacement of infrastructure is not sustainable.Read moreRead less
Efficient reinforced concrete design using linear elastic finite element analysis. It is expected that this project will bring about changes in the design practice for reinforced concrete structures, particularly those of complex geometry, which will enhance the competitiveness of the Australian design community. Through reduction of the overuse of concrete often present in current conservative design procedures for such structures, the project will lead to a reduction in the impact of reinforce ....Efficient reinforced concrete design using linear elastic finite element analysis. It is expected that this project will bring about changes in the design practice for reinforced concrete structures, particularly those of complex geometry, which will enhance the competitiveness of the Australian design community. Through reduction of the overuse of concrete often present in current conservative design procedures for such structures, the project will lead to a reduction in the impact of reinforced concrete construction on the environment and contribute to sustainable engineering practise.Read moreRead less
Blast Damage and Fragmentation Prediction for Occupants and Structure Protection. Protecting infrastructures against blast loads from terrorist bombing or accidental explosion is a challenge. Researchers have been working on developing a numerical model, but the progress is slow owing to difficulties in modelling nonlinear and high strain rate damage process. Most blast effect assessment is based on empirical relations from blast tests. These have been demonstrated not necessarily yielding accur ....Blast Damage and Fragmentation Prediction for Occupants and Structure Protection. Protecting infrastructures against blast loads from terrorist bombing or accidental explosion is a challenge. Researchers have been working on developing a numerical model, but the progress is slow owing to difficulties in modelling nonlinear and high strain rate damage process. Most blast effect assessment is based on empirical relations from blast tests. These have been demonstrated not necessarily yielding accurate prediction owing to variations of structural properties from the test model. A reliable numerical model is therefore important. It will result in big savings from blast tests, and better prediction of blast effects for structure and occupant protection. It will have applications in civil, mining and defence engineering. Read moreRead less
NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC REPONSE AND DAMAGE OF FRAME STRUCTURES TO EXPLOSIVE LOADS. Understanding structural response to explosive loads is essential to protect critical infrastructure against terrorist bombing or industrial explosions. Current practice in analysis and design of structures to withstand explosive loads uses either empirical methods or a simplified structure model. In many cases, engineers need to know the structure response in more detail in order to protect the structure an ....NUMERICAL ANALYSIS OF DYNAMIC REPONSE AND DAMAGE OF FRAME STRUCTURES TO EXPLOSIVE LOADS. Understanding structural response to explosive loads is essential to protect critical infrastructure against terrorist bombing or industrial explosions. Current practice in analysis and design of structures to withstand explosive loads uses either empirical methods or a simplified structure model. In many cases, engineers need to know the structure response in more detail in order to protect the structure and plan evacuation procedures. This project will study the response and damage mechanism of structures to explosive loads, and develop a numerical model to predict structural response and damage. It will have immediate and wide-ranging applications in defence, construction and mining engineering.Read moreRead less
Experimental and numerical study of dynamic properties of concrete and fibre reinforced concrete materials. Recent disastrous examples of life and economy loss due to terrorist action or accident explosion include Bali bombing and Western Australia gas explosion. Reliable prediction of structure response to blast and impact loads is essential for life and economy protection against such loads. This project will perform laboratory tests and numerical simulations to study the construction material ....Experimental and numerical study of dynamic properties of concrete and fibre reinforced concrete materials. Recent disastrous examples of life and economy loss due to terrorist action or accident explosion include Bali bombing and Western Australia gas explosion. Reliable prediction of structure response to blast and impact loads is essential for life and economy protection against such loads. This project will perform laboratory tests and numerical simulations to study the construction material properties under dynamic loading conditions, and develop numerical models for accurate predictions of structure response to blast loads. The project contributes to the integrated effort for a secure Australia. It will result in enormous savings from conducting blast tests and will have applications in civil, mining and defence engineering.Read moreRead less