Longshore Sediment Supply to the Deep Ocean. The current model to supply sand to deep water off continental margins is that provided by rivers operating at low sea level. We propose an alternative model in which sand is provided by longshore transport to deep water at high sea level north of Fraser Island, SE Queensland. Here we will test the validity of our new model by site studies of sea bottom morphology, composition and dynamics. If the model proves true, we will have: 1) generated an entir ....Longshore Sediment Supply to the Deep Ocean. The current model to supply sand to deep water off continental margins is that provided by rivers operating at low sea level. We propose an alternative model in which sand is provided by longshore transport to deep water at high sea level north of Fraser Island, SE Queensland. Here we will test the validity of our new model by site studies of sea bottom morphology, composition and dynamics. If the model proves true, we will have: 1) generated an entirely new exploration model for deepwater hydrocarbons, 2) provided new expertise and seabed maps for generating a superior marine naval defence capability.Read moreRead less
Efficient Processing of Complex Spatial Queries. Similarity search and join are two of the most popular yet complex queiries in spatial databases. They are also two of the major spatial data analysis paradigms. To complement the existing techniques, this project aims to investigate a more complex and important form of these two problems, and to develop novel framework to approach the proposed problems. The successful achievements of the project will not only bring new spatial data analysis techn ....Efficient Processing of Complex Spatial Queries. Similarity search and join are two of the most popular yet complex queiries in spatial databases. They are also two of the major spatial data analysis paradigms. To complement the existing techniques, this project aims to investigate a more complex and important form of these two problems, and to develop novel framework to approach the proposed problems. The successful achievements of the project will not only bring new spatial data analysis techniques but also deliever effective solutions to a number of real-life apllications.Read moreRead less
Tunable antifouling behaviour on rough surfaces. The impact of subtle variations in nano and micro scale surface roughness on larger scale wetting and antifouling behaviour of surfaces is investigated. This will lead to next generation non-toxic coatings for both medical and marine applications. The environmental implications will be a significant feature of the ongoing assessment of this study.
Airfoil Noise Control in Complex Turbulence. This project aims to understand how to control noise created by the interaction of airfoils with complex, real-world turbulence. This project is significant because it will develop novel serrated and porous leading edges tailored for complex turbulence for the first time. Using innovative experimental and theoretical techniques, the project will dramatically advance the science of aeroacoustics. The expected outcomes of the project will be substantial ....Airfoil Noise Control in Complex Turbulence. This project aims to understand how to control noise created by the interaction of airfoils with complex, real-world turbulence. This project is significant because it will develop novel serrated and porous leading edges tailored for complex turbulence for the first time. Using innovative experimental and theoretical techniques, the project will dramatically advance the science of aeroacoustics. The expected outcomes of the project will be substantial reductions in noise from aircraft, wind turbines, submarines and drones. This will provide significant benefits such as a reduction in environmental noise pollution, better public health and submarines with increased stealth.Read moreRead less
Surface roughness and its effects on wall-bounded turbulence. Examples in engineering where turbulence is important are: wind tunnel model testing, numerical prediction of turbulent skin friction drag over an aircraft wing, turbulent forces and acoustic field around a submarine or a road vehicle, and the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere. Turbulence may also be beneficial, for example, in improving engine combustion and decreasing pollutant emissions. Hence this study will have national ....Surface roughness and its effects on wall-bounded turbulence. Examples in engineering where turbulence is important are: wind tunnel model testing, numerical prediction of turbulent skin friction drag over an aircraft wing, turbulent forces and acoustic field around a submarine or a road vehicle, and the dispersion of pollutants in the atmosphere. Turbulence may also be beneficial, for example, in improving engine combustion and decreasing pollutant emissions. Hence this study will have national benefits in many scientific fields, for example, in fuel savings (economy and energy ), stability of road vehicles (safety and health), noise generation and acoustic signatures of submarines (transforming defence technology and safeguarding Australia).Read moreRead less
Stochastic Sensor Scheduling in Statistical Signal Processing. In several statistical signal processing applications, due to computational or communication constraints, at each time instant one can use only a few out of several possible noisy (stochastic) sensors. The stochastic sensor scheduling problem deals with how to dynamically choose which group of sensors to pick at each time instant. This project involves research in sensor scheduling for widely used stochastic dynamical systems such as ....Stochastic Sensor Scheduling in Statistical Signal Processing. In several statistical signal processing applications, due to computational or communication constraints, at each time instant one can use only a few out of several possible noisy (stochastic) sensors. The stochastic sensor scheduling problem deals with how to dynamically choose which group of sensors to pick at each time instant. This project involves research in sensor scheduling for widely used stochastic dynamical systems such as Hidden Markov Models and Jump Markov Linear Systems. It focuses on the design and analysis of stochastic control algorithms such as dynamic programming and simulation based randomized methods. The research will lead to an integrated theory incorporating stochastic control, statistical signal processing and combinatorial optimization. We will also apply the resulting techniques to tracking maneuvering targets given noisy observations.Read moreRead less
Early detection of component incompatibility in time-dependent computer architectures. Complex real-time systems are increasingly being built by integrating off-the-shelf components. There are obvious benefits to this approach, but the hidden costs associated with integration are still a major problem. Our proposed approach will enable early detection of integration problems, and thus provide potential for large cost savings. This brings with it clear benefits to industry. One industry that woul ....Early detection of component incompatibility in time-dependent computer architectures. Complex real-time systems are increasingly being built by integrating off-the-shelf components. There are obvious benefits to this approach, but the hidden costs associated with integration are still a major problem. Our proposed approach will enable early detection of integration problems, and thus provide potential for large cost savings. This brings with it clear benefits to industry. One industry that would benefit by such technology is the Australian Navy, which is increasingly being confronted with the challenge of integrating off-the-shelf components in large Naval Combat Systems. Read moreRead less
Microwave-modulated optical systems for free-space and undersea communications. Although offering flexible, rapid deployment, free space and underwater comunications have not kept up with progress in optical fibre communications, and current systems are signficantly restricted in range and data rate. To address these needs, we will develop novel laser systems using coherent detection, with infrared output for eyesafe transmission in air, and blue-green output for transmission underwater. The s ....Microwave-modulated optical systems for free-space and undersea communications. Although offering flexible, rapid deployment, free space and underwater comunications have not kept up with progress in optical fibre communications, and current systems are signficantly restricted in range and data rate. To address these needs, we will develop novel laser systems using coherent detection, with infrared output for eyesafe transmission in air, and blue-green output for transmission underwater. The signal is a microwave modulation on the optical carrier, which permits longer-range transmission while maintaining signal coherence. Key advantages include increased detection sensitivity, and potential to scale up the modulation frequency and the power for higher data rates and longer propagation distance.Read moreRead less
Decision making and mission planning for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. The work specifically addresses the National Research Priorities
in sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity, techniques for
transforming Australian industry and Safeguarding Australia.
Without a thorough understanding of processes that affect the
state of health of our oceans they will continue to be affected by
natural phenomena and stresses caused by human activity. A more
comprehensive understanding of these natu ....Decision making and mission planning for Unmanned Underwater Vehicles. The work specifically addresses the National Research Priorities
in sustainable use of Australia's biodiversity, techniques for
transforming Australian industry and Safeguarding Australia.
Without a thorough understanding of processes that affect the
state of health of our oceans they will continue to be affected by
natural phenomena and stresses caused by human activity. A more
comprehensive understanding of these natural systems and the
interplay with human activities is therefore essential.Read moreRead less
Phase transitions in ultra-thin epitaxial polar oxide films. In this project we will utilize sophisticated thin film fabrication and characterization techniques( such as in-situ x-ray diffraction) and the most advanced computational materials science tools. Therefore this project will provide postgraduates and young researchers to cutting edge research, boosting the enormous potential of Australia in basic materials science. It brings together early career researchers with complimentary expert ....Phase transitions in ultra-thin epitaxial polar oxide films. In this project we will utilize sophisticated thin film fabrication and characterization techniques( such as in-situ x-ray diffraction) and the most advanced computational materials science tools. Therefore this project will provide postgraduates and young researchers to cutting edge research, boosting the enormous potential of Australia in basic materials science. It brings together early career researchers with complimentary expertise areas to interact with each other. It emphasizes cross-disciplinary research and exchange of research ideas across three continents; thus providing the ideal training ground for young researchers who are expected to make a major contribution to both, fundamental and applied research in the future.Read moreRead less