The development of active third-generation heavy vehicle aerodynamic drag reducing devices to reduce future transport emissions. The potential for emission reductions through aerodynamic improvements is particularly apparent in long haul heavy vehicle transport. By developing active devices to be fitted to the heavy vehicle trailer of the future this work offers drag reduction potential from current levels of up to 40 per cent. If widely implemented these devices could play a major part in the t ....The development of active third-generation heavy vehicle aerodynamic drag reducing devices to reduce future transport emissions. The potential for emission reductions through aerodynamic improvements is particularly apparent in long haul heavy vehicle transport. By developing active devices to be fitted to the heavy vehicle trailer of the future this work offers drag reduction potential from current levels of up to 40 per cent. If widely implemented these devices could play a major part in the transport sector meeting medium term emissions targets. If successful not only will the project develop unique components, it will support heavy vehicle research and development that is so important to maintaining a strong manufacturing presence in Australia, especially in regional centres, such as Ballarat where Maxitrans has major headquarters. Read moreRead less
Wave slam on high speed wave piercing catamaran ferries in large seas. Australia has taken a pioneering lead in the design of high speed multi-hull ferries and continues to extend their speed, range and payload performance. Design leadership and the technology which supports it are crucial to maintaining the existing large share of the international market for such vessels. Recently freight and military transport vessels have been exposed to much more severe wave conditions than passenger vessel ....Wave slam on high speed wave piercing catamaran ferries in large seas. Australia has taken a pioneering lead in the design of high speed multi-hull ferries and continues to extend their speed, range and payload performance. Design leadership and the technology which supports it are crucial to maintaining the existing large share of the international market for such vessels. Recently freight and military transport vessels have been exposed to much more severe wave conditions than passenger vessels and this has increased the need for improved prediction of structural loads due to waves. This project directly addresses that need by computation and model testing validation. The industry is a significant export earner and employer within Australia and so the project directly underpins those national benefits. Read moreRead less
Development of large scale expansion tubes. The aim of this proposal is to develop a high Mach number scramjet simulation capability by modifying the X3 superorbital expansion tube at UQ for high suborbital operation at very high total pressures. This will enable Australia to do true Mach number simulation at higher speeds than is possible anywhere else, and mantain an international advantage in the development of scramjet flight propulsion. It will also put Australian researchers in a strong p ....Development of large scale expansion tubes. The aim of this proposal is to develop a high Mach number scramjet simulation capability by modifying the X3 superorbital expansion tube at UQ for high suborbital operation at very high total pressures. This will enable Australia to do true Mach number simulation at higher speeds than is possible anywhere else, and mantain an international advantage in the development of scramjet flight propulsion. It will also put Australian researchers in a strong position to participate in the next generation of US ground testing facilities, foreshadowed by the recent NASA purchase of a large shock tunnel driver. It will enable Australia to maintain a position of leadership in the development of new space travel concepts.Read moreRead less
Design and development of an innovative next generation wind driven rotating ventilator. With increasing environmental awareness, the demand for a wind-driven rotating ventilator for natural ventilation in dwellings, factories and transport vehicles is rising dramatically. This device requires no expenditure to operate or maintain and is pollution-free. However, significant safety concerns for its operation in high wind and rain remain. This project will facilitate a greater understanding of the ....Design and development of an innovative next generation wind driven rotating ventilator. With increasing environmental awareness, the demand for a wind-driven rotating ventilator for natural ventilation in dwellings, factories and transport vehicles is rising dramatically. This device requires no expenditure to operate or maintain and is pollution-free. However, significant safety concerns for its operation in high wind and rain remain. This project will facilitate a greater understanding of the complex flow phenomenon and produce innovative aerodynamic and smart solutions. The outcomes will establish Australia as the leading provider of air quality and comfort in the world, benefit particularly the rural sector and have significant positive impact on the national economy and environment.Read moreRead less
Asymmetric and nonlinear unsteady loads on high speed ferries. Large high speed catamarans are expanding their domain of application from coastal passenger routes to ocean freight and military service. This is shifting operability criteria from motions and passenger discomfort to structural load limitations in severe wave environments. This project investigates large wave structural load prediction. Large waves lead to strongly non-linear responses, invalidating many methods of analysis. Predict ....Asymmetric and nonlinear unsteady loads on high speed ferries. Large high speed catamarans are expanding their domain of application from coastal passenger routes to ocean freight and military service. This is shifting operability criteria from motions and passenger discomfort to structural load limitations in severe wave environments. This project investigates large wave structural load prediction. Large waves lead to strongly non-linear responses, invalidating many methods of analysis. Prediction of loads on the transverse structure is also not possible with many prediction methods. This project will develop and validate by experiment fully time domain computational methods for the prediction of asymmetric structural loads due to large wavesRead moreRead less