Fractional dynamic models for MRI to probe tissue microstructure. This project aims to develop new mathematical tools for mapping tissue microstructural properties via the use of space-time fractional calculus methods. In magnetic resonance imaging, mathematical models and their parameters play a key role in associating information between images and biology, with the overall aim of producing spatially resolved maps of tissue property variations. However, models which can inform on changes in mi ....Fractional dynamic models for MRI to probe tissue microstructure. This project aims to develop new mathematical tools for mapping tissue microstructural properties via the use of space-time fractional calculus methods. In magnetic resonance imaging, mathematical models and their parameters play a key role in associating information between images and biology, with the overall aim of producing spatially resolved maps of tissue property variations. However, models which can inform on changes in microscale tissue properties are lacking. The tools developed by this project will be used to generate new magnetic resonance image based maps to convey information on tissue microstructure changes in the human brain. Additionally, the mathematical tools developed will be transferable to other applications where diffusion and transport in heterogeneous porous media play a role.Read moreRead less
New mathematics for understanding complex patterns in the natural sciences. This project aims to examine the interaction of fundamental two-dimensional patterns such as spots and stripes in reaction-diffusion equations, by developing and extending mathematical techniques. These fundamental planar structures form the backbone of more complex patterns and are, for example, observed in models that describe the propagation of impulses in nerve axons and the formation of vegetation patterns. The futu ....New mathematics for understanding complex patterns in the natural sciences. This project aims to examine the interaction of fundamental two-dimensional patterns such as spots and stripes in reaction-diffusion equations, by developing and extending mathematical techniques. These fundamental planar structures form the backbone of more complex patterns and are, for example, observed in models that describe the propagation of impulses in nerve axons and the formation of vegetation patterns. The future impact of this research will have economic and environmental benefits. For example, the project will develop a deeper understanding of interacting patterns that will provide insights into the role of vegetation in ecosystems that are undergoing desertification.Read moreRead less
Uncertainties in coherent transport of particles and intrinsic properties. This Project aims to quantify the uncertainty of a model output in terms of uncertainties in modelling assumptions, by developing new mathematical techniques and applying them to real-world data. This will be in the context of assessing the accuracy of tracking coherently moving structures (e.g., hurricanes, oceanic biodiversity hotspots, pollutant patches, insect swarms) from experimental/observational data sets. Novel, ....Uncertainties in coherent transport of particles and intrinsic properties. This Project aims to quantify the uncertainty of a model output in terms of uncertainties in modelling assumptions, by developing new mathematical techniques and applying them to real-world data. This will be in the context of assessing the accuracy of tracking coherently moving structures (e.g., hurricanes, oceanic biodiversity hotspots, pollutant patches, insect swarms) from experimental/observational data sets. Novel, data-tested, mathematical methods for uncertainty quantification of coherent structures will be developed as Project outcomes. Project benefits include new insights into protecting the environment, improved uncertainty quantification in climate modelling, and the generation of interdisciplinary knowledge and training.Read moreRead less
Functional state observers for large-scale interconnected systems. This project will produce conceptual advances with new design rules to develop robust and efficient functional state observers for interconnected systems. The outcomes will advance the theory of functional observers and improve the operation, efficiency and performance of critical infrastructure such as power grids, water and traffic networks.
Learning control and computational models of human motor systems. With the aim of understanding how humans learn their body movements, this project addresses fundamental cross-disciplinary issues of learning control, robotics and computational models of human motor systems. The results will lead to improvements in smart industrial automation and the development of more effective rehabilitation stategies.
Navigating tipping points in complex dynamical systems. This project aims to use applied mathematics to investigate the onset of tipping points in dynamical systems. Working with clinicians and practicing engineers, the project aims to contribute to the development of new treatment regimes for dynamical diseases and develop improved management strategies for resource focussed engineering industries. This should provide significant benefit to many areas, including the personalised treatment of di ....Navigating tipping points in complex dynamical systems. This project aims to use applied mathematics to investigate the onset of tipping points in dynamical systems. Working with clinicians and practicing engineers, the project aims to contribute to the development of new treatment regimes for dynamical diseases and develop improved management strategies for resource focussed engineering industries. This should provide significant benefit to many areas, including the personalised treatment of disease.Read moreRead less
Dynamics of atherosclerotic plaque formation, growth and regression. This project aims to provide a mathematical framework to interpret plaque growth. Many biological processes contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic plaques inside arteries. Lipoproteins enter the artery walls and stimulate tissues to signal to cells which duly respond so that fatty streaks form and grow into dangerous plaques that cause heart attacks or stroke. These processes are often nonlinear and operate on widely varyi ....Dynamics of atherosclerotic plaque formation, growth and regression. This project aims to provide a mathematical framework to interpret plaque growth. Many biological processes contribute to the growth of atherosclerotic plaques inside arteries. Lipoproteins enter the artery walls and stimulate tissues to signal to cells which duly respond so that fatty streaks form and grow into dangerous plaques that cause heart attacks or stroke. These processes are often nonlinear and operate on widely varying time scales. The project plans to use systems of ordinary differential equations, partial differential equations with non-standard boundary conditions, and bifurcation theory to find how nonlinear processes shape plaque growth. The expected results may demonstrate the importance of bifurcations, dynamics and nonlinear systems in plaque growth and provide new models to interpret biological data.Read moreRead less
Microcantilevers for multifrequency atomic force microscopy. This project aims to design a microcantilever with high-performing sensors more sensitive and with better noise performance than the typical optical system used in commercial Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). The AFM, a nanotechnology instrument, uses a microcantilever (with an extremely shape probe) to interrogate a sample surface. It has made important discoveries in nanotechnology, life sciences, nanomachining, material science and d ....Microcantilevers for multifrequency atomic force microscopy. This project aims to design a microcantilever with high-performing sensors more sensitive and with better noise performance than the typical optical system used in commercial Atomic Force Microscopes (AFMs). The AFM, a nanotechnology instrument, uses a microcantilever (with an extremely shape probe) to interrogate a sample surface. It has made important discoveries in nanotechnology, life sciences, nanomachining, material science and data storage systems. Despite its success, the technique’s spatial resolution and quantitative measurements are limited. This project could lead to breakthrough technologies such as atomic force spectroscopy to study elastic modulus of nanostructures, and establish Australia's prominence in this emerging field.Read moreRead less
A Novel Geometric Approach to Shocks in Reaction-Nonlinear Diffusion Models. Reaction-nonlinear diffusion models play a vital role in the study of cell migration and population dynamics. However, the presence of aggregation, or backward diffusion, leads to the formation of shock waves - distinct, sharp interfaces between different populations of densities of cells - and the breakdown of the model. This project will develop new geometric methods to explain the formation and temporal evolution of ....A Novel Geometric Approach to Shocks in Reaction-Nonlinear Diffusion Models. Reaction-nonlinear diffusion models play a vital role in the study of cell migration and population dynamics. However, the presence of aggregation, or backward diffusion, leads to the formation of shock waves - distinct, sharp interfaces between different populations of densities of cells - and the breakdown of the model. This project will develop new geometric methods to explain the formation and temporal evolution of these shock waves, while simultaneously unifying existing regularisation techniques under a single, geometric banner. It will devise innovative tools in singular perturbation theory and stability analysis that will identify key parameters in the creation of shock waves, as well as their dynamic behaviour.Read moreRead less
Fuzzy modelling and design of complex networked systems. This project aims to develop analysis and synthesis approaches for non-linear networked control systems, including modelling, stability analysis and design problems. The non-linear effects and analysis of networked control systems have received considerable attention because of the universal existence of nonlinearities in practice. Network-based non-linear systems are widely used but face problems from non-linearities and networks. This pr ....Fuzzy modelling and design of complex networked systems. This project aims to develop analysis and synthesis approaches for non-linear networked control systems, including modelling, stability analysis and design problems. The non-linear effects and analysis of networked control systems have received considerable attention because of the universal existence of nonlinearities in practice. Network-based non-linear systems are widely used but face problems from non-linearities and networks. This project will establish a software-based nonlinear networked control system platform to test the presented algorithms and strengthen the scenarios in applications. This project is expected to increase Australian excellence in cyber-security and advanced manufacturing.Read moreRead less