A Distributed Virtual Factory in Agile Manufacturing. The aim of this research is to develop an Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory consisting of several distributed precise simulation models connected by several synchronisation mechanisms named Time Bucket algorithms. Intelligent Distributed Virtual Factory will then be applied into precise evaluations of the whole manufacturing system under two major types of manufacturing operational logics, PULL and PUSH methods.
Slag Entrainment and Dispersion in Continuous Slab Casting. Australia's steel industry employs 75,000 people and has an annual turnover in excess of $21 billion. However, it produces less than 8 million tonnes of steel per annum which is approximately 7 percent of the world's production. Australia does not have the economies of scale and to be competitive, must invest heavily in new technology and have best workplace practices to generate products that are superior to low cost competitors. This ....Slag Entrainment and Dispersion in Continuous Slab Casting. Australia's steel industry employs 75,000 people and has an annual turnover in excess of $21 billion. However, it produces less than 8 million tonnes of steel per annum which is approximately 7 percent of the world's production. Australia does not have the economies of scale and to be competitive, must invest heavily in new technology and have best workplace practices to generate products that are superior to low cost competitors. This project is focussed on improving product quality through invention of new equipment which also overcomes current operational practices and creates a safer working environment. Read moreRead less
Development of corrosion resistant aluminium alloys for potable water systems. Maintaining Australia's operational advantage through superior capabilities is fundamental to national benefit. This project fosters breakthrough science to underpin technological innovation (new materials with enhanced functionality). In a global market, any promotion of aluminium usage provides direct benefit nationally, Australia being the key primary, secondary and tertiary producer. Aluminium exports are critical ....Development of corrosion resistant aluminium alloys for potable water systems. Maintaining Australia's operational advantage through superior capabilities is fundamental to national benefit. This project fosters breakthrough science to underpin technological innovation (new materials with enhanced functionality). In a global market, any promotion of aluminium usage provides direct benefit nationally, Australia being the key primary, secondary and tertiary producer. Aluminium exports are critical to the ongoing success of the Australian economy. This project provides excellent research training with unique industry focus for young researchers, fostering the international competitiveness of local research. Such work also benefits Australia via development of international capability in an interdisciplinary field.Read moreRead less
SYNCHROTRON MICROPROBE METALLURGICAL CASE STUDIES. The micro-focus capabilities of synchrotron techniques (XRF, XRD, XAS) will enable the high resolution spatial correlations required to advance the understanding of the three systems to be studied:
- Activation for flotation of sphalerite with varying iron contents;
- Arsenic leaching as a function of local structure, phase and mineral assemblage;
- Optimisation of ferrous alloy microstructure on cryogenic treatment.
These case studies have ....SYNCHROTRON MICROPROBE METALLURGICAL CASE STUDIES. The micro-focus capabilities of synchrotron techniques (XRF, XRD, XAS) will enable the high resolution spatial correlations required to advance the understanding of the three systems to be studied:
- Activation for flotation of sphalerite with varying iron contents;
- Arsenic leaching as a function of local structure, phase and mineral assemblage;
- Optimisation of ferrous alloy microstructure on cryogenic treatment.
These case studies have been chosen to specifically target the minerals processing and manufacturing industrial sectors and will be used to increase industrial awareness of the potentials of synchrotron techniques prior to the commissioning of the Australian Synchrotron in 2007.
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Fundamental understanding of the environmental factors essential for environmental assisted fracture (EAF) of cast magnesium alloys. This project proposes a combined theoretical and experimental approach to understand the key environmental factors causing EAF of commercial cast magnesium alloys. Rather than testing all possibilities, it is proposed to establish a mechanistic understanding for EAF, and to test and expand that understanding through key experiments. EAF is a particularly dangerous ....Fundamental understanding of the environmental factors essential for environmental assisted fracture (EAF) of cast magnesium alloys. This project proposes a combined theoretical and experimental approach to understand the key environmental factors causing EAF of commercial cast magnesium alloys. Rather than testing all possibilities, it is proposed to establish a mechanistic understanding for EAF, and to test and expand that understanding through key experiments. EAF is a particularly dangerous and complicated form of corrosion. Existing experience indicates that EAF incidence will increase as magnesium alloys are increasingly used in more challenging applications. The results and insights from this research will help to underpin a major new industry and industrial applications.Read moreRead less
Optimising the Formability of Strip-Cast Low Carbon Steel. Recent advances in strip casting of low carbon steel have the potential for producing formable sheet products at a fraction of the cost of conventional slab casting and secondary processing. The aim of the project is to develop a deeper understanding of the effect of solidification microstructure of strip-cast steel on the development of microstructure and texture following cold rolling and annealing in an attempt to improve the formabi ....Optimising the Formability of Strip-Cast Low Carbon Steel. Recent advances in strip casting of low carbon steel have the potential for producing formable sheet products at a fraction of the cost of conventional slab casting and secondary processing. The aim of the project is to develop a deeper understanding of the effect of solidification microstructure of strip-cast steel on the development of microstructure and texture following cold rolling and annealing in an attempt to improve the formability of the final strip product. The project is also expected to produce an outstanding Australian researcher relevant to industry with expertise in ferrous physical metallurgy.Read moreRead less