Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-electromechanical Systems (NEMS) Technologies for Temperature Sensitive Semiconductors and Smart Materials. The development of a generic MEMS/NEMS technology will place Australia at the forefront of MEMS science and technology and will form a platform for new and innovative products using new science developed from the capabilities to be established in this project. This project and the results it will generate will have significant impact in devel ....Micro-electromechanical Systems (MEMS) and Nano-electromechanical Systems (NEMS) Technologies for Temperature Sensitive Semiconductors and Smart Materials. The development of a generic MEMS/NEMS technology will place Australia at the forefront of MEMS science and technology and will form a platform for new and innovative products using new science developed from the capabilities to be established in this project. This project and the results it will generate will have significant impact in developing technologies that can transform Australian industry in biomedical and agricultural instrumentation and will be key to future optoelectronic defence systems for surveillance, and chemical and biological threat warning. It will have the potential to establish new industries, as well as generate disruptive technologies directly relevant to several industry sectors already established in Australia.Read moreRead less
Discovering how termites use vibrations to thrive in a predators' world. Our recent research revealed termites use vibrations to avoid predators/competitors for survival. However, the enabling mechanisms of this amazing ability remain unknown. The project aims at unlocking the secrets of these mechanisms by relating the mechanical properties of termite, legs, antennae and sensing organs (measured with advanced micro measurement techniques) to vibration signatures of ants and termites (extracted ....Discovering how termites use vibrations to thrive in a predators' world. Our recent research revealed termites use vibrations to avoid predators/competitors for survival. However, the enabling mechanisms of this amazing ability remain unknown. The project aims at unlocking the secrets of these mechanisms by relating the mechanical properties of termite, legs, antennae and sensing organs (measured with advanced micro measurement techniques) to vibration signatures of ants and termites (extracted using innovative signal processing techniques and nonlinear dynamics). We will develop novel bio-dynamics models that incorporate machine learning. We will test the models’ ability to manipulate termites foraging behaviour, with the ultimate objective of developing chemical-free, vibration-based pest control devices. Read moreRead less
A direct drive linear tube generator for ocean wave energy conversion. This project aims to investigate a direct drive linear electromagnetic generator system for the maximum wave energy conversion and frequency bandwidth. This system has a translator of a multiple degree of freedom non-linear oscillator system built with the Halbach ring array pattern and ferro-fluid bearings. To establish wave energy conversion science, this project will investigate the device, its integration with a buoy stru ....A direct drive linear tube generator for ocean wave energy conversion. This project aims to investigate a direct drive linear electromagnetic generator system for the maximum wave energy conversion and frequency bandwidth. This system has a translator of a multiple degree of freedom non-linear oscillator system built with the Halbach ring array pattern and ferro-fluid bearings. To establish wave energy conversion science, this project will investigate the device, its integration with a buoy structure under wave loadings and automatic control of power conversion and conditioning. The outcome could meet demands for wave energy conversion technologies that reduce power generation cost and emissions, benefiting the Australian economy and environment.Read moreRead less
Prediction and control of fluid-structure interactions. Fluid-flows create a pressure that can deform the surface of a structure or cause it to vibrate; an extreme example is the fluttering of a flag. Flow-induced vibration of the external panels of vehicles causes damage, noise and can adversely affect performance. This project will develop a wholly new approach for the analysis of these interactions. The versatility and completeness of the approach permits a step-change in the design of panels ....Prediction and control of fluid-structure interactions. Fluid-flows create a pressure that can deform the surface of a structure or cause it to vibrate; an extreme example is the fluttering of a flag. Flow-induced vibration of the external panels of vehicles causes damage, noise and can adversely affect performance. This project will develop a wholly new approach for the analysis of these interactions. The versatility and completeness of the approach permits a step-change in the design of panels, reducing material and manufacturing costs without compromise to safety and performance - an immense benefit for the myriad engineered products or structures that feature flow over a deformable surface. Read moreRead less
Resolving the mechanics of turbulent noise production. This project aims to dramatically develop our capacity to quieten modern transport, energy and defence technologies through a better understanding of how fluid turbulence creates sound. The outcome of the project will be a quieter modern environment leading to improved public health, an improved environment and a more secure nation.
Better predictions of spray flames. This project aims to predict spray flames using experimental and computational modelling of the combustion near burning droplets in spray flames. Spray flames are the dominant source of energy for the transportation sector, and are expected to remain so well into the future. Limited understanding of combustion processes surrounding the burning of the droplets restricts further technological development. This project is expected to enable progress in design too ....Better predictions of spray flames. This project aims to predict spray flames using experimental and computational modelling of the combustion near burning droplets in spray flames. Spray flames are the dominant source of energy for the transportation sector, and are expected to remain so well into the future. Limited understanding of combustion processes surrounding the burning of the droplets restricts further technological development. This project is expected to enable progress in design tools for spray flame combustors operating on liquid fuels, including bio-fuels. The result will be lower pollutant emissions and lower the cost of design of new engines.Read moreRead less
Adaptation of carbon free fuels to high temperature industrial processes. This project aims to deepen our understanding of the underpinning scientific and engineering solutions required to adapt carbon free renewable fuels to high temperature industrial processes. The project will advance the knowledge base of innovative strategies, such as fuel blending and oxidant stream vitiation needed to replace fossil based fuels with alternatives such as hydrogen, or ammonia. Advance experimental and comp ....Adaptation of carbon free fuels to high temperature industrial processes. This project aims to deepen our understanding of the underpinning scientific and engineering solutions required to adapt carbon free renewable fuels to high temperature industrial processes. The project will advance the knowledge base of innovative strategies, such as fuel blending and oxidant stream vitiation needed to replace fossil based fuels with alternatives such as hydrogen, or ammonia. Advance experimental and computational tools will be used to investigate the controlling parameters to facilitate adaptation including burning characteristics, modes of heat transfer and pollutant emissions. The project will generate deeper understanding of the proposed approaches, detailed and unique high fidelity data, and suitable predictive models.Read moreRead less
Determination of the Properties of Hyper-Elastic Materials by Deep Indentation. We seek to develop the scientific basis for the interpretation of the results of "deep" indentation testing of non-linear elastic (hyper-elastic) materials. Simple tests (such as indentation) produce complex strain fields. Interpretation of the resulting data in terms of stiffness, for example, requires a complex model of the deformation process that can be utilised to link the observed behaviour to the basic prope ....Determination of the Properties of Hyper-Elastic Materials by Deep Indentation. We seek to develop the scientific basis for the interpretation of the results of "deep" indentation testing of non-linear elastic (hyper-elastic) materials. Simple tests (such as indentation) produce complex strain fields. Interpretation of the resulting data in terms of stiffness, for example, requires a complex model of the deformation process that can be utilised to link the observed behaviour to the basic properties of interest. This project is dedicated to an understanding of the complex deformation associated with large strain indentation of hyper-elastic materials and structures, development of finite element based models for this deformation and creation of techniques for interpretation of the results of such indentation tests.Read moreRead less
Interaction between consolidation and lubrication of biological joints. This project aims to develop a computational model to be used in conjunction with experimental studies to understand complex lubrication systems in biological joints. Nature has equipped biological joints with a remarkable ability to achieve ultralow friction even at relatively high contact force, however the mechanisms used remain uncertain. This project intends to provide a deeper, fundamental understanding of the friction ....Interaction between consolidation and lubrication of biological joints. This project aims to develop a computational model to be used in conjunction with experimental studies to understand complex lubrication systems in biological joints. Nature has equipped biological joints with a remarkable ability to achieve ultralow friction even at relatively high contact force, however the mechanisms used remain uncertain. This project intends to provide a deeper, fundamental understanding of the friction and contact mechanisms occurring in biological joints. The project outcomes could lead to bioinspired innovation in future engineering design and advancements in materials science that have the potential to significantly benefit Australian society.Read moreRead less
WAVE TRAPPING BARRIERS. Traditional noise barriers have poor performance when installed as parallel barriers in front of noise sources with large reflection surfaces. This is because that the reflected noise from the far side barrier or from the source surfaces contributes significantly to the noise level at the receiver location. This project involves the investigation of a novel barrier, the wave trapping barrier (WTB), which is capable of retaining the noise between the source and the barrier ....WAVE TRAPPING BARRIERS. Traditional noise barriers have poor performance when installed as parallel barriers in front of noise sources with large reflection surfaces. This is because that the reflected noise from the far side barrier or from the source surfaces contributes significantly to the noise level at the receiver location. This project involves the investigation of a novel barrier, the wave trapping barrier (WTB), which is capable of retaining the noise between the source and the barrier and to provide maximum sound absorption at the frequencies of concern, and thus to minimize the contribution due to the reflection. The aim is to develop a theoretical and experimental model for the physical understanding and optimal design of the WTB. Outcomes include a new generation of noise barriers that are potentially light-weighted, fiberless and with higher insertion loss.Read moreRead less