Confined comminution and particle flow: a general model for large-scale canonical solutions. The project integrates recent advances in continuum mechanics to develop a novel theory of comminution for large-scale problems of grain-size reduction, beyond the reach of particle-based simulations. We will deliver new knowledge and predictive tools by solving fundamental and significant comminution problems. Underpinning this development will be a direct link between energy and particle kinematics. Th ....Confined comminution and particle flow: a general model for large-scale canonical solutions. The project integrates recent advances in continuum mechanics to develop a novel theory of comminution for large-scale problems of grain-size reduction, beyond the reach of particle-based simulations. We will deliver new knowledge and predictive tools by solving fundamental and significant comminution problems. Underpinning this development will be a direct link between energy and particle kinematics. This unique methodology will enable the prediction of energy flow in fault zones, and energy losses from machine to particle and between particles.Read moreRead less
Nickel iron sulphide mineralogy: the link between mineral transformations and microstructure and magnetic properties. This project is about measuring the rate at which minerals transform or react and how metal diffusion controls these reactions. Metal diffusion in sulphides is much more rapid that in silicates and is still very significant at low temperatures (< 300 C). In this project, we are trying to measure the rate at which the principal ore of nickel, pentlandite, transforms to violarite ....Nickel iron sulphide mineralogy: the link between mineral transformations and microstructure and magnetic properties. This project is about measuring the rate at which minerals transform or react and how metal diffusion controls these reactions. Metal diffusion in sulphides is much more rapid that in silicates and is still very significant at low temperatures (< 300 C). In this project, we are trying to measure the rate at which the principal ore of nickel, pentlandite, transforms to violarite, another important nickel rich sulphide that forms from it in the upper parts of ore bodies. The arrangement of the metal atoms in these minerals is sensitive to temperature, so it may be used as a geothermometer.Read moreRead less