Developing a new technology: advanced surface hardening and grinding in a single operation. Our advances will give Australian manufacturing industry first access to a significant technological advance in precision grinding, a critical machining process. This will improve our international competitiveness, through major cost reductions by simplifying the manufacturing procedure and by eliminating the use of toxic coolants. The technology will provide significant opportunities for further Australi ....Developing a new technology: advanced surface hardening and grinding in a single operation. Our advances will give Australian manufacturing industry first access to a significant technological advance in precision grinding, a critical machining process. This will improve our international competitiveness, through major cost reductions by simplifying the manufacturing procedure and by eliminating the use of toxic coolants. The technology will provide significant opportunities for further Australian research in precision machining by creating a foundation for extending the technology to more complex manufacturing processes.Read moreRead less
Reducing tool wear through novel surface treatments and improved lubrication. High strength steels can be used to make vehicles lighter and safer but forming them into parts requires large forces. This can lead to problems with tool wear and poor surface finish. This project will lead to improved understanding of what makes a lubricant effective and how to design a tool surface to reduce wear. This new knowledge will lead to improved tool designs and products. The competitiveness of the Australi ....Reducing tool wear through novel surface treatments and improved lubrication. High strength steels can be used to make vehicles lighter and safer but forming them into parts requires large forces. This can lead to problems with tool wear and poor surface finish. This project will lead to improved understanding of what makes a lubricant effective and how to design a tool surface to reduce wear. This new knowledge will lead to improved tool designs and products. The competitiveness of the Australian automotive manufacturing industry will be improved and there will be benefits for the local tooling industry, especially in the competition for overseas markets.Read moreRead less
Dynamic recrystallization and preferred orientation in ultra-thin steel-strip under conditions of fluctuating temperature and stress. We aim to develop a sound understanding of the origins of ridge-buckle defects in flat-rolled steel sheet and to train researchers in advanced techniques. By studying dynamic recrystallisation and texture formation, not of the bulk, but of isolated pockets of material within the bulk that are subject to fluctuating conditions of temperature and stress, defect form ....Dynamic recrystallization and preferred orientation in ultra-thin steel-strip under conditions of fluctuating temperature and stress. We aim to develop a sound understanding of the origins of ridge-buckle defects in flat-rolled steel sheet and to train researchers in advanced techniques. By studying dynamic recrystallisation and texture formation, not of the bulk, but of isolated pockets of material within the bulk that are subject to fluctuating conditions of temperature and stress, defect formation will be related to the intricate interplay between rolling dynamics and microstructural development. Through this new approach a scientifically founded quantitative model should emerge so that defect occurrence can be forecasted, preventative action predicted and industry's competitive position be retained. Read moreRead less
A Microstructure Based Approach to Steel Design for Improved Crash Performance. There is a continual need for the automotive industry to develop vehicles with increased fuel efficiency and safety. This research will establish how different types of new advanced steels can contribute to improved crash worthiness, while also helping to increase fuel efficiency through lighter weight. This will lead to the development of new steels that offer even better crash performance while also providing more ....A Microstructure Based Approach to Steel Design for Improved Crash Performance. There is a continual need for the automotive industry to develop vehicles with increased fuel efficiency and safety. This research will establish how different types of new advanced steels can contribute to improved crash worthiness, while also helping to increase fuel efficiency through lighter weight. This will lead to the development of new steels that offer even better crash performance while also providing more realistic computer models for car designers.Read moreRead less