Strength Enhancement of Aluminium Extrusion Alloys via Novel Thermal Processes and Alloy Composition Control. The aluminium industry in Australia produces ~4% of total goods and services exports nationally and over $2 billon per year in export earnings. The importance of developing energy-efficient processing and manufacturing technologies for aluminium and its alloys is reflected in the Federal Government's Light Metals Action Agenda. The proposed project has the potential to establish a platfo ....Strength Enhancement of Aluminium Extrusion Alloys via Novel Thermal Processes and Alloy Composition Control. The aluminium industry in Australia produces ~4% of total goods and services exports nationally and over $2 billon per year in export earnings. The importance of developing energy-efficient processing and manufacturing technologies for aluminium and its alloys is reflected in the Federal Government's Light Metals Action Agenda. The proposed project has the potential to establish a platform for intelligent design and development of thermal processing technologies for aluminium extrusion alloys with improved mechanical properties. Such technologies are expected to help the Australian aluminium industry to expand its international market share.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0346888
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$288,000.00
Summary
3-D Optical Surface Profiler. Establishing a state-of-the-science 3-D optical surface profiler will enable macroscopic, microscopic and nanoscopic profiling of surfaces over a very broad range of research programs including, laser cleaning and surface modification, laser precision microfabrication, surface, materials and device characterisation and optical physics applications. The importance and significance of these projects has already been established by the projects having competitive fundi ....3-D Optical Surface Profiler. Establishing a state-of-the-science 3-D optical surface profiler will enable macroscopic, microscopic and nanoscopic profiling of surfaces over a very broad range of research programs including, laser cleaning and surface modification, laser precision microfabrication, surface, materials and device characterisation and optical physics applications. The importance and significance of these projects has already been established by the projects having competitive funding. The instrument will undoubtedly support many additional research programs. It is similar to an Atomic-Force-Microscope or stylus profilometer but has significant additional capabilites. These include profiling much larger areas at sub-nanometre resolution and the non-contact nature of the technique. These features will enable surface characterisation that can not be achieved by other means.Read moreRead less
Fundamental study on hydrogen desorption from nanoscale Magnesium (Mg) hydrides. Hydrogen storage is the most challenge in realizing the hydrogen economy, especially for on-board application in hydrogen-driving vehicles. Magnesium is among the few promising candidates of effective, safe, high density and cheap hydrogen storage, which has attracted tremendous interests of research. This project creates an innovative science and technology to solve the critical problem of hydrogen storage that wil ....Fundamental study on hydrogen desorption from nanoscale Magnesium (Mg) hydrides. Hydrogen storage is the most challenge in realizing the hydrogen economy, especially for on-board application in hydrogen-driving vehicles. Magnesium is among the few promising candidates of effective, safe, high density and cheap hydrogen storage, which has attracted tremendous interests of research. This project creates an innovative science and technology to solve the critical problem of hydrogen storage that will enhance the international reputation and impact of Australian research in nanoscience and nanothechnology. Realizing the practical hydrogen storage will also enable hydrogen vehicles soon in Australia that adds Australia great potential to reducing the reliance on fossil fuels and greenhouse emissions.Read moreRead less
Microscale evolution of deformed rocks and glaciers. Scientific outcomes from this research have significant implications for predictions on material properties and are applicable to rock behaviour in mineralised systems, a focus of Australia's minerals industry, and the development of new materials for the Australian manufacturing industries. It will help maintain Australia's excellent international research reputation in the fields of microstructural geology and glaciology.
Microchip Impedance Biosensor for Biomedical Diagnostics. This research proposal uses an innovative engineering approach based on novel nanomaterials with the aim of developing a new and generic biosensing technology with the potential to be widely applied in many areas including medical diagnostics, environmental control, industry and biosecurity. The outcomes from this project will benefit Australia by contributing through the development of novel materials, new technologies and new devices. ....Microchip Impedance Biosensor for Biomedical Diagnostics. This research proposal uses an innovative engineering approach based on novel nanomaterials with the aim of developing a new and generic biosensing technology with the potential to be widely applied in many areas including medical diagnostics, environmental control, industry and biosecurity. The outcomes from this project will benefit Australia by contributing through the development of novel materials, new technologies and new devices. The development of technological innovations based on fabricated nanomaterials, will also enhance capacity in frontier technology such as nanotechnology, and build Australia’s strength in using new biosensing technologies.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0989804
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$150,000.00
Summary
A Universal Nano Tribometer for Surface and Thin Film Characterisation. The proposed infrastructure will be of major benefit to a large number of ARC funded research projects involving chracterisation of materials at four universities UOW,QUT, UNSW and CDU. The project will extend the research capability of the participating researchers and facilitate innovative projects and new research direction in advanced materials processing in the nano/micro scale. This in turn will lead to improved intern ....A Universal Nano Tribometer for Surface and Thin Film Characterisation. The proposed infrastructure will be of major benefit to a large number of ARC funded research projects involving chracterisation of materials at four universities UOW,QUT, UNSW and CDU. The project will extend the research capability of the participating researchers and facilitate innovative projects and new research direction in advanced materials processing in the nano/micro scale. This in turn will lead to improved international competitiveness of Australian industry.Read moreRead less
Ab initio Theory in Complex Materials and Surfaces: Prediction and Design of Functional Structures. Using state-of-the-art first-principles theory, this project involves the study of complex materials and surfaces which are central to areas of high technological interest, namely, high temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor materials for spintronics, nitride-based structures for optoelectronic devices, nanocomposites for protective coatings, as well as heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. It wil ....Ab initio Theory in Complex Materials and Surfaces: Prediction and Design of Functional Structures. Using state-of-the-art first-principles theory, this project involves the study of complex materials and surfaces which are central to areas of high technological interest, namely, high temperature ferromagnetic semiconductor materials for spintronics, nitride-based structures for optoelectronic devices, nanocomposites for protective coatings, as well as heterogeneous oxidation catalysis. It will provide fundamental knowledge and understanding on the atomic level, and will facilitate the design and development of functional materials and surfaces of relevance to industry.Read moreRead less
An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assis ....An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assist in developing fire resistant prefabricated building systems. In also provides valuable research training to young Australians. Most importantly it will contribute to Australia's major initiatives in protecting its critical infrastructure.Read moreRead less
De-consolidation and Re-consolidation of Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The project provides a comprehensive physical understanding on thermal de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes in advanced thermoplastic composites during re-heating/cooling processes, such as thermoforming and joining. Mechanistic models based on theoretical analysis, experimental studies and computational modelling will be established to provide a unified approach to predict de-consolidation and re-conso ....De-consolidation and Re-consolidation of Advanced Thermoplastic Matrix Composites. The project provides a comprehensive physical understanding on thermal de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes in advanced thermoplastic composites during re-heating/cooling processes, such as thermoforming and joining. Mechanistic models based on theoretical analysis, experimental studies and computational modelling will be established to provide a unified approach to predict de-consolidation and re-consolidation processes. Optimum processing-windows will be established, with which the undesired deterioration in material meso-structures and mechanical performance due to de-consolidation is effectively minimised. The outcomes of the project will fill the gap in the knowledge for thermoplastic composite processing and will improve the integrity of thermoplastic composite structures in practical applications.Read moreRead less
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE0560705
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$825,000.00
Summary
Advanced Deformation Simulation Laboratory. For Australia to maintain its position as a world leader in the science of metals processing it must have the capability for state-of-the-art physical simulation. The present proposal is for the purchase and installation of two leading edge simulation tools: a high rate/short inter-pass hot deformation simulator and a hot equal channel angular extrusion press. Advanced hot deformation simulation is required for the development and optimisation of "fast ....Advanced Deformation Simulation Laboratory. For Australia to maintain its position as a world leader in the science of metals processing it must have the capability for state-of-the-art physical simulation. The present proposal is for the purchase and installation of two leading edge simulation tools: a high rate/short inter-pass hot deformation simulator and a hot equal channel angular extrusion press. Advanced hot deformation simulation is required for the development and optimisation of "fast" industrial processes and for understanding the complex microstructural reactions associated with them. High temperature extrusion is required for the development of ultra-fine and nano-grained light metals.Read moreRead less