Structural and multidisciplinary optimization. Structural and multidisciplinary design optimization is an important subject in aeronautical, aerospace, automobile, offshore platforms and many other structures. This project aims to address design optimization of coupled structures, with a focus on electro-mechanical coupled structures. It is expected to coordinate an integrated effort to develop efficient and effective algorithms for optimum design of electro-mechanical coupled structures.
Supersonic Particle Deposition Of Metal Matrix Composite/Aluminium Alloy For Ensuring The Continued Airworthiness Of Damaged Structures. The June 2007 Report to Congress by the US Under Secretary of the Department of Defence (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) estimated the cost of corrosion associated with US DoD systems to be between $10 billion and $20 billion annually. It further stated that the US DoD has focused its life-cycle corrosion research and development efforts on four primary ....Supersonic Particle Deposition Of Metal Matrix Composite/Aluminium Alloy For Ensuring The Continued Airworthiness Of Damaged Structures. The June 2007 Report to Congress by the US Under Secretary of the Department of Defence (Acquisition, Technology and Logistics) estimated the cost of corrosion associated with US DoD systems to be between $10 billion and $20 billion annually. It further stated that the US DoD has focused its life-cycle corrosion research and development efforts on four primary areas one of which is repair processes that restore corroded materials to an acceptable level of structural integrity and functionality. This project specifically addresses that topic and as such will have a significant impact on Australia's Defence infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Controlled vibration of intelligent super-lightweight structure systems. This project aims to poineer research on dynamic shape control of intelligent structure systems, in which the rapid shape variation of a structure is controlled with fast varying electric energy. It bridges the gap between structural shape and vibration control. The expected outcomes are (a) novel concepts and formulation of dynamic shape control; (b) biologically inspired active stiffener system; and (c) an innovative th ....Controlled vibration of intelligent super-lightweight structure systems. This project aims to poineer research on dynamic shape control of intelligent structure systems, in which the rapid shape variation of a structure is controlled with fast varying electric energy. It bridges the gap between structural shape and vibration control. The expected outcomes are (a) novel concepts and formulation of dynamic shape control; (b) biologically inspired active stiffener system; and (c) an innovative theoretical framework for design optimization of dynamic shape control of intelligent structure systems.
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Development of a Local Spectral Method for the Computations of Thin-Walled Structures. This project will benefit Aust. society by providing a powerful tool for improving the safe and cost effective design of structures under extreme conditions (high frequency vibration, complicating supporting conditions). The method has the potential to be further developed to provide solutions to unsolved problems in acoustic wave transport, short electromagnetic wave propagation etc. The research training of ....Development of a Local Spectral Method for the Computations of Thin-Walled Structures. This project will benefit Aust. society by providing a powerful tool for improving the safe and cost effective design of structures under extreme conditions (high frequency vibration, complicating supporting conditions). The method has the potential to be further developed to provide solutions to unsolved problems in acoustic wave transport, short electromagnetic wave propagation etc. The research training of the project will help to keep Australia to be at the forefront in this research field and the published research findings will promote the reputation of Australian researchers in the field of computational engineering. The international collaboration will be strengthened between the Investigator's team and his colleagues in US. Read moreRead less
The mechanics of quiet airfoils. Airfoil trailing edge noise affects many technologies, from wind turbines to computer cooling fans and must be reduced to improve productivity, public health and the environment. This project aims to develop a new class of quiet airfoil design and an active trailing edge noise control system to help solve this important problem. This research will provide multiple, long terms benefits to Australia that include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced airport no ....The mechanics of quiet airfoils. Airfoil trailing edge noise affects many technologies, from wind turbines to computer cooling fans and must be reduced to improve productivity, public health and the environment. This project aims to develop a new class of quiet airfoil design and an active trailing edge noise control system to help solve this important problem. This research will provide multiple, long terms benefits to Australia that include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced airport noise, new high technology products for export, and improved public health.Read moreRead less
Shape adaptive structures with built-in compact smart material based actuators. Primary Australian aerospace manufacturers are sub-contractors and constantly compete in the global market. Their products are primarily control surfaces, e.g., Boeing 757 and 777 rudders, 737 Krueger flaps. In light of the development of the hingeless control surfaces (HCS) in the smart aircraft wing program in the USA, the economic benefits of this project are very high because (a) it will address the key technolo ....Shape adaptive structures with built-in compact smart material based actuators. Primary Australian aerospace manufacturers are sub-contractors and constantly compete in the global market. Their products are primarily control surfaces, e.g., Boeing 757 and 777 rudders, 737 Krueger flaps. In light of the development of the hingeless control surfaces (HCS) in the smart aircraft wing program in the USA, the economic benefits of this project are very high because (a) it will address the key technological issue identified in the HCS program; and (b) it will enhance Australian manufacturers¡¯ technological standing and input in the design and manufacturing of next generation HCS by providing highly trained people with world-leading niche technology.Read moreRead less
Active shape control of large thin-walled structures using ferroelectric single crystals. Ferroelectric single crystals were invented 5 years ago, and they possess many superior properties compared to conventional piezoelectric materials, particularly the induced strain up to 1.5%, an order higher than conventional materials. This project aims to poineer the application of these new and powerful smart materials as actuators and sensors to shape control of smart structures. The expected outcome ....Active shape control of large thin-walled structures using ferroelectric single crystals. Ferroelectric single crystals were invented 5 years ago, and they possess many superior properties compared to conventional piezoelectric materials, particularly the induced strain up to 1.5%, an order higher than conventional materials. This project aims to poineer the application of these new and powerful smart materials as actuators and sensors to shape control of smart structures. The expected outcomes are (a) a new constitutive theory for the non-linear behaviour of ferroelectric single crystals; (b) a novel definition and formulation for the shape control problem; and (c) an innovative theoretical framework for design optimization of shape control of smart structures using ferroelectric single crystals.Read moreRead less
Morphing flexible structures with lead lanthanum zirconium titanate (PLZT) based optical actuators. Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) materials yield mechanical strains when exposed to near ultraviolet light as a result of combined photovoltaic and converse piezoelectric effects. They offer actuation strain on par with piezoelectric materials and other advantages, such as wireless light-to-mechanical energy transfer, immunity from electrical and magnetic disturbances and fast response wi ....Morphing flexible structures with lead lanthanum zirconium titanate (PLZT) based optical actuators. Lead lanthanum zirconate titanate (PLZT) materials yield mechanical strains when exposed to near ultraviolet light as a result of combined photovoltaic and converse piezoelectric effects. They offer actuation strain on par with piezoelectric materials and other advantages, such as wireless light-to-mechanical energy transfer, immunity from electrical and magnetic disturbances and fast response with the transparent electrode design. This project aims to pioneer the application of PLZT optical actuators in morphing flexible structures leading to development of wireless smart structures technology and opt-electromechanical systems such as medical instruments.Read moreRead less
A Multi-Scale Approach To Reliability And Durability Of Engineering Structures And Sensors. The Longford explosion is an example where a major failure was due to a very small defect. It is estimated to have cost Australia in excess of $1.5 Billion. The acquisition costs of aircraft mean that keeping a fleet operational for a year can produce savings of ~$100,000,000.The automotive industry is designing lighter vehicles. GM Australia has realised that ensuring the durability of these new designs ....A Multi-Scale Approach To Reliability And Durability Of Engineering Structures And Sensors. The Longford explosion is an example where a major failure was due to a very small defect. It is estimated to have cost Australia in excess of $1.5 Billion. The acquisition costs of aircraft mean that keeping a fleet operational for a year can produce savings of ~$100,000,000.The automotive industry is designing lighter vehicles. GM Australia has realised that ensuring the durability of these new designs is essential. By our participation in the GM PACE program we ensure that the developments are available to the broader Australian Industry. Indeed, to design durable MEM's structures would give Australia a commercial edge.Read moreRead less
Diagnostics and Prognostics of Turbine Engine Bearings. Rolls Royce are a leading supplier of engines world-wide, but in particular (with respect to this application) to airlines operating in and from Australia, including Qantas, as well as to the Australian armed forces. The methods to be developed will give greater security to the flying public, and to the Defence Forces, allowing them to carry out their role more reliably. Collaboration with Rolls Royce will add prestige to this Australian de ....Diagnostics and Prognostics of Turbine Engine Bearings. Rolls Royce are a leading supplier of engines world-wide, but in particular (with respect to this application) to airlines operating in and from Australia, including Qantas, as well as to the Australian armed forces. The methods to be developed will give greater security to the flying public, and to the Defence Forces, allowing them to carry out their role more reliably. Collaboration with Rolls Royce will add prestige to this Australian developed technology, and increase the likelihood of it (and related technology) being used in the Joint Strike Fighter.Read moreRead less