Australian Mineral Science Research Institute: Transformation of resource-based industries through the generation and application of new technologies. The research conducted within AMSRI will enable our existing resource-based industries to be transformed through the application of new technologies, helping to create an environmentally sustainable nation, a key national research priority. The research programs in energy efficient liberation, frugal water use and waste management, innovative proc ....Australian Mineral Science Research Institute: Transformation of resource-based industries through the generation and application of new technologies. The research conducted within AMSRI will enable our existing resource-based industries to be transformed through the application of new technologies, helping to create an environmentally sustainable nation, a key national research priority. The research programs in energy efficient liberation, frugal water use and waste management, innovative processing, material and interface science, advanced analysis and mathematics in minerals processing are of critical importance to Australia's major export industry. AMSRI will produce unique graduate students, educated in a multi-university, industry-linked research environment, who will provide a strong intellectual resource to both Australian industry and research institutions.Read moreRead less
Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanom ....Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanometre and molecular length scales. These insights and data will be critically important in designing low-friction surfaces that save energy and wear, in developing nanoscopic probes for the mechanical and structural properties of soft polymeric and bio-materials, and in making high performance coatings that control adhesion and particle aggregation in technologically advanced applications.Read moreRead less
Periodic nano-ratchets: a new paradigm for biomolecule separation. This project proposes the theoretical and experimental study of a new separation principle. The platform technologies developed from this research will see wide ranging applications. They will reveal new insights into fundamental phenomena of membranes and separation processes underpinning development of new generation of separation technologies. New membranes and microchip separation devices which can be applied to genomic, prot ....Periodic nano-ratchets: a new paradigm for biomolecule separation. This project proposes the theoretical and experimental study of a new separation principle. The platform technologies developed from this research will see wide ranging applications. They will reveal new insights into fundamental phenomena of membranes and separation processes underpinning development of new generation of separation technologies. New membranes and microchip separation devices which can be applied to genomic, proteomic, forensic and a range medical, biotechnological and analytical applications will be readily achievable. This is an international and interdisciplinary research project and its outcomes will enhance Australia's ability in frontier technologies, advanced materials.Read moreRead less
A new angle on the coalescence of drops. Many processes depend on what happens when drops and/or bubbles collide with each other, or with the surfaces of other materials. Examples include inkjet printing, agricultural spraying, spray coating of paints, pharmaceutical formulation, stability of cosmetics and foodstuffs, formation of froths and foams, and flow of bubbly liquids. To control these processes, we need to understand how and why drops sometimes do and sometimes do not coalesce with each ....A new angle on the coalescence of drops. Many processes depend on what happens when drops and/or bubbles collide with each other, or with the surfaces of other materials. Examples include inkjet printing, agricultural spraying, spray coating of paints, pharmaceutical formulation, stability of cosmetics and foodstuffs, formation of froths and foams, and flow of bubbly liquids. To control these processes, we need to understand how and why drops sometimes do and sometimes do not coalesce with each other or adhere to surfaces. The knowledge gained in this project will enable improvements to be made in the efficiency of processes such as those listed above.Read moreRead less
Engineered Nanotube Membranes for Molecular Separation and Biosensing. This broad research effort on the development of nanotube technology will provide potential applications not just in separation and biosensors but also in nanotechnology, biotechnology, drug delivery, energy storage, and catalysis. Development of advanced separation technologies and ultra sensitive biosensing devices based on functionalised gold nanotube membranes and low-cost fabrications are an important direction for Austr ....Engineered Nanotube Membranes for Molecular Separation and Biosensing. This broad research effort on the development of nanotube technology will provide potential applications not just in separation and biosensors but also in nanotechnology, biotechnology, drug delivery, energy storage, and catalysis. Development of advanced separation technologies and ultra sensitive biosensing devices based on functionalised gold nanotube membranes and low-cost fabrications are an important direction for Australian innovation in these fields. They will bring competitive advantages for further developments and applications for molecular separation and biomedical diagnostics. These research outcomes will enhance Australia's capacity in frontier technology and build strength in new analytical and separation technologies.Read moreRead less
Correlation between surface force and morphology of self-assembled monolayer. As a most potential solid support for biological molecules without denaturing their functions, gold thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied extensively for surface fabrication. In this project we will prepare functional monolayers using newly synthesized thiol derivatives, evaluate correlation between surface force and surface morphology of the SAMs using the surface forces apparatus, and optimize the ....Correlation between surface force and morphology of self-assembled monolayer. As a most potential solid support for biological molecules without denaturing their functions, gold thiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) have been studied extensively for surface fabrication. In this project we will prepare functional monolayers using newly synthesized thiol derivatives, evaluate correlation between surface force and surface morphology of the SAMs using the surface forces apparatus, and optimize the condition to fabricate biological devices such as immune sensors.Read moreRead less
Friction and capillary forces. Reducing friction forces is important for improving the performance of moving components in devices, and also useful for relieving people from pains at joints. In ambient conditions, confined liquids have a great influence on friction forces because an attractive force is induced by capillary condensation and adsorption between the surfaces. The correlation between capillary and friction forces will be clarified by force measurements with newly developed surface fo ....Friction and capillary forces. Reducing friction forces is important for improving the performance of moving components in devices, and also useful for relieving people from pains at joints. In ambient conditions, confined liquids have a great influence on friction forces because an attractive force is induced by capillary condensation and adsorption between the surfaces. The correlation between capillary and friction forces will be clarified by force measurements with newly developed surface force apparatuses in various conditions. Theoretical interpretation of influences of molecular layered liquids between the sliding surfaces on frictional behaviour will be also given based on thermodynamics.Read moreRead less
Energy Dissipation and Nanoscale Processes at Moving Contact Lines. The dynamic process of liquids wetting and dewetting, as moving contact lines pass over solid surfaces is central to many industrial operations and natural phenomena. Contact line motion plays a key role in micro and nanofluidics, the foundation of an emergent technology called process intensification, where large industrial processes can be reduced to Lilliputian in size. Substantial energy reduction and other benefits are exp ....Energy Dissipation and Nanoscale Processes at Moving Contact Lines. The dynamic process of liquids wetting and dewetting, as moving contact lines pass over solid surfaces is central to many industrial operations and natural phenomena. Contact line motion plays a key role in micro and nanofluidics, the foundation of an emergent technology called process intensification, where large industrial processes can be reduced to Lilliputian in size. Substantial energy reduction and other benefits are expected from this project, including the transformation of coarse particle flotation. Young PhD scientists and engineers will be educated in a rich research environment, with strong international research collaboration in areas of national priority.Read moreRead less
AN INTEGRATED STUDY OF ATMOSPHERIC WAVE GENERATION AND COUPLING. Small-scale atmospheric gravity waves play an important, but not well understood, role in determining the state of the atmosphere. Observations to be made in northern Australia in 2005-2006 will bring together different kinds of radars and other instruments to study rain production processes in thunderstorms. Results will be used in a high-resolution numerical model to test wave generation by storms and to study their impact on the ....AN INTEGRATED STUDY OF ATMOSPHERIC WAVE GENERATION AND COUPLING. Small-scale atmospheric gravity waves play an important, but not well understood, role in determining the state of the atmosphere. Observations to be made in northern Australia in 2005-2006 will bring together different kinds of radars and other instruments to study rain production processes in thunderstorms. Results will be used in a high-resolution numerical model to test wave generation by storms and to study their impact on the atmosphere. The project will contribute to the improvement of weather radar measurements of rainfall and to improvement in numerical weather forecasting and climate prediction. It will provide high-quality training for postgraduate students in the use of state-of-the-art instrumentation and models.Read moreRead less
WAVES IN THE MIDDLE ATMOSPHERE. Atmospheric waves have a profound influence in the atmosphere. A unique network of radars in the southern hemisphere will be used to study wave processes in the upper atmosphere. The project will investigate causes of wave variability, wave sources and wave-wave interactions and will involve satellite measurements and international collaboration. Results will guide the development and testing of schemes that incorporate the effects of small-scale waves in numerica ....WAVES IN THE MIDDLE ATMOSPHERE. Atmospheric waves have a profound influence in the atmosphere. A unique network of radars in the southern hemisphere will be used to study wave processes in the upper atmosphere. The project will investigate causes of wave variability, wave sources and wave-wave interactions and will involve satellite measurements and international collaboration. Results will guide the development and testing of schemes that incorporate the effects of small-scale waves in numerical weather and climate models. Outcomes from the project will have application in modelling climate change.Read moreRead less