Wake dynamics of oscillating cylinder in steady currents. This project aims at advancing knowledge in flow/structure interactions and developing improved methodology for predicting wave and current loading on marine structures, which are vital in many practical applications such as extraction of oil and gas resources and renewable energy from the ocean. The improved methodology and much-needed database of hydrodynamic force coefficients developed through this project for estimating hydrodynamic ....Wake dynamics of oscillating cylinder in steady currents. This project aims at advancing knowledge in flow/structure interactions and developing improved methodology for predicting wave and current loading on marine structures, which are vital in many practical applications such as extraction of oil and gas resources and renewable energy from the ocean. The improved methodology and much-needed database of hydrodynamic force coefficients developed through this project for estimating hydrodynamic loading on marine structures will significantly reduce the high, costly uncertainly levels that are being experienced in the design, construction and maintenance of marine structures (and facilities) and increase the competiveness of Australian relevant industries. Read moreRead less
Analysis of two-phase effects in sloshing of liquids in marine tanks. One of the winners in the current greenhouse debate is natural gas, and the global market will see the need for transporting large volumes of LNG. Australia's North West Shelf is one of the largest offshore gas reserves in the world. The gas market is one of the biggest contributors for the country's economy. Australia leads the world in the use of tankers for transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). However, consistent re ....Analysis of two-phase effects in sloshing of liquids in marine tanks. One of the winners in the current greenhouse debate is natural gas, and the global market will see the need for transporting large volumes of LNG. Australia's North West Shelf is one of the largest offshore gas reserves in the world. The gas market is one of the biggest contributors for the country's economy. Australia leads the world in the use of tankers for transport of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG). However, consistent research in LNG is lacking. This research is a fundamental inquiry into the physics of liquid sloshing and the importance of two-phase effects on sloshing. The research can provide answers that ensure safe operation and transport of LNG from Australia.Read moreRead less
A new framework for flow and mixing at the sediment-water interface. Ensuring the sustainability of Australia's freshwater resources is vital to the nation. This project addresses a fundamental, and as yet unanswered, question in our efforts to maintain the quality of our freshwater systems: "How important are the sediments?"
Redefining sediment transport predictions in benthic ecosystems. This project aims to understand and predict the mobilisation of sediment, and the rates and modes of sediment transport. Sediment dynamics control the health and productivity of some of the world’s most valuable marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coral reefs. However, the theory and predictive models needed to quantitatively understand sediment transport over the large bottom roughness in these ecosystems has proven ....Redefining sediment transport predictions in benthic ecosystems. This project aims to understand and predict the mobilisation of sediment, and the rates and modes of sediment transport. Sediment dynamics control the health and productivity of some of the world’s most valuable marine ecosystems, including seagrass meadows and coral reefs. However, the theory and predictive models needed to quantitatively understand sediment transport over the large bottom roughness in these ecosystems has proven elusive. This project will integrate comprehensive laboratory and field programmes to develop predictive models of these sediment dynamics, which should help better understand, manage and protect these critical ecosystems and their services.Read moreRead less
The phenomenology of unsteady impinging jets: fluid dynamics and heat transfer. This project comprises a definitive study of a fluid jet impacting a target surface and the effect of added fluctuations on its momentum and heat-transfer characteristics. This will deliver new scientific knowledge and underpin the development of an energy-efficient thermal-control technology for widespread use in many areas of engineering.
A predictive framework for the flow control of environmental roughness. This project aims to develop a new framework to accurately predict how macro-roughness controls flow, turbulence and transport in environmental systems. Exemplar systems range from flows over seagrass meadows, coral reefs and permeable beds in aquatic environments to flows over urban roughness in atmospheric environments. The overall health and function of these systems is intimately linked to how they modify the incoming fl ....A predictive framework for the flow control of environmental roughness. This project aims to develop a new framework to accurately predict how macro-roughness controls flow, turbulence and transport in environmental systems. Exemplar systems range from flows over seagrass meadows, coral reefs and permeable beds in aquatic environments to flows over urban roughness in atmospheric environments. The overall health and function of these systems is intimately linked to how they modify the incoming flow and the transport of nutrients, contaminants, heat and biota. Expected outcomes include novel theory and new predictive models to quantify the flow and transport 'climate' in these complex roughness systems. This will transform best practice in our understanding, management and protection of these critical ecosystems.Read moreRead less
Predictive capability for particle capture in aquatic ecosystems. This project investigates the fundamental fluid mechanics of particle capture, whereby suspended particles contact and adhere to a solid structure. This process is examined in productive and biodiverse ecosystems (such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows) whose health, productivity and propagation are directly controlled by particle capture. Existing formulations for particle capture are valid only under highly idealised condition ....Predictive capability for particle capture in aquatic ecosystems. This project investigates the fundamental fluid mechanics of particle capture, whereby suspended particles contact and adhere to a solid structure. This process is examined in productive and biodiverse ecosystems (such as coral reefs and seagrass meadows) whose health, productivity and propagation are directly controlled by particle capture. Existing formulations for particle capture are valid only under highly idealised conditions that are grossly unrepresentative of the complexity of ecosystem flows. The goal of this project is to use a coupled computational-experimental campaign to develop predictive capability for particle capture in ecosystems, where the flow can be turbulent and/or wave-dominated and the biological structures complex.Read moreRead less
Energy dissipation and vibration-assisted self-healing in structures with topological interlocking. High dissipation of impact and vibration energy, vibration-assisted self-healing, high tolerance to block failure and an ease of assembly/disassembly make topological interlocking structures ideal for safety barriers, protective shields and floating structures. The theory of these phenomena will open a way for more efficient protection of infrastructure against both natural and human perpetrated i ....Energy dissipation and vibration-assisted self-healing in structures with topological interlocking. High dissipation of impact and vibration energy, vibration-assisted self-healing, high tolerance to block failure and an ease of assembly/disassembly make topological interlocking structures ideal for safety barriers, protective shields and floating structures. The theory of these phenomena will open a way for more efficient protection of infrastructure against both natural and human perpetrated impacts and for developing new methodology in constructing mobile marine bases. This constitutes the main benefit of the project. Furthermore, understanding the resonance structure of travelling waves will improve methods of non-destructive monitoring by back analysing spectral signatures of the waves.Read moreRead less
Negative Poisson's ratio and negative stiffness: rational approach to hybrid materials with internally engineered architecture. The project falls within Research Priority 3: Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries. This generic work involves cutting-edge multidisciplinary research leading to better understanding of the fundamental principles governing the behaviour of hybrid materials. The proposed framework of internally engineered architecture will enrich the ....Negative Poisson's ratio and negative stiffness: rational approach to hybrid materials with internally engineered architecture. The project falls within Research Priority 3: Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries. This generic work involves cutting-edge multidisciplinary research leading to better understanding of the fundamental principles governing the behaviour of hybrid materials. The proposed framework of internally engineered architecture will enrich the existing set of available methods of designing new materials, extend the knowledge base of the discipline and maintain Australia's leading position in the field. Australian Industry will benefit directly from unique engineering properties and functionalities that hybrids provide. This contributes to Priority Goals: Breakthrough Science and Advanced Materials.Read moreRead less