Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes play important roles in the development of nanotechnology, a key technology in the twenty-first century. This project aims to establish the theories and techniques for characterizing the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. A novel method combining atomic analysis, predictive modeling and direct experimental quantification with atomic force microscopy will be used to achieve the objectives. The research will bring about new ....Mechanical Characterization of Carbon Nanotubes. Carbon nanotubes play important roles in the development of nanotechnology, a key technology in the twenty-first century. This project aims to establish the theories and techniques for characterizing the mechanical properties of carbon nanotubes. A novel method combining atomic analysis, predictive modeling and direct experimental quantification with atomic force microscopy will be used to achieve the objectives. The research will bring about new nanomechanics theories, resolve the existing paradox in nanotube deformation and provide an effective measuring method under complex loading. The achievement will contribute to the knowledge of nanotechnology and help the industry for further technical development.Read moreRead less
High Performance Twist Drill Design and Drilling Operations for Machining Mould Steel. In this project a high performance drill point design, based on low drilling forces and high drill-life criteria when machining mould steel will be developed together with a computer application software for drilling force predictions, based on the ¡®unified-generalised mechanics of cutting approach¡¯, and optimal drilling feed and speed selection for minimum cost and time per hole, based on a multi-constraint ....High Performance Twist Drill Design and Drilling Operations for Machining Mould Steel. In this project a high performance drill point design, based on low drilling forces and high drill-life criteria when machining mould steel will be developed together with a computer application software for drilling force predictions, based on the ¡®unified-generalised mechanics of cutting approach¡¯, and optimal drilling feed and speed selection for minimum cost and time per hole, based on a multi-constraint drilling optimization analysis. Particular attention will be given to the manufacture of the drill point geometry. It is anticipated that the application software will enable the drill design, manufacture, performance and drilling conditions to be integrated.Read moreRead less
An innovative manufacturing technology enabling new generations of hip joint prostheses. The success of the present project will revolutionise the way we produce hip joint prostheses, resolve the critical issues caused by the wear of the hip joint bearing surfaces, and dramatically improve patients' life quality. The project will open an entirely new application field for the Australian made materials which have a very limited market so far. With the innovative technology and the new generations ....An innovative manufacturing technology enabling new generations of hip joint prostheses. The success of the present project will revolutionise the way we produce hip joint prostheses, resolve the critical issues caused by the wear of the hip joint bearing surfaces, and dramatically improve patients' life quality. The project will open an entirely new application field for the Australian made materials which have a very limited market so far. With the innovative technology and the new generations of hip joint prostheses, the international competitive edge of the Australian industry will be markedly sharpened. Patients, and the Australian economy, are expected to benefit greatly from successful developments in this project.Read moreRead less
A Stress Transfer Principle for Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Materials under Complex Loading. Many breakthrough technologies in the future will build upon carbon nanotube reinforced materials but the scientific basis in the area is still unavailable. This project aims to establish a reliable stress transfer principle so that the design, production and application of the materials can be accurately controlled and the great strength of carbon nanotubes can be wisely utilized. The research will resol ....A Stress Transfer Principle for Carbon Nanotube Reinforced Materials under Complex Loading. Many breakthrough technologies in the future will build upon carbon nanotube reinforced materials but the scientific basis in the area is still unavailable. This project aims to establish a reliable stress transfer principle so that the design, production and application of the materials can be accurately controlled and the great strength of carbon nanotubes can be wisely utilized. The research will resolve a key paradox and develop a series of innovative theories and technologies. The success of the project will make a significant impact on the nanoscience and nanotechnology associated with the applications of carbon nanotube reinforced materials.Read moreRead less
Developing and modelling an additive process for three-dimensional micro-fabrication. This project aims to develop new scientific knowledge to govern the optimum design and use of a three-dimensional fabrication technology for the precision manufacturing of micro-structures. It will also gain a fundamental understanding of the fabrication process and develop new models for predicting and optimizing the process performance. The intended outcomes will increase Australia's international research st ....Developing and modelling an additive process for three-dimensional micro-fabrication. This project aims to develop new scientific knowledge to govern the optimum design and use of a three-dimensional fabrication technology for the precision manufacturing of micro-structures. It will also gain a fundamental understanding of the fabrication process and develop new models for predicting and optimizing the process performance. The intended outcomes will increase Australia's international research standing in precision and nano/micro manufacturing, while the new technology developed will fill a process gap in fabricating micro-structures and enable industry to quickly respond to market demand at commercially viable cost, particularly for small batch and customized products, and in dental, medical and electronics applications.Read moreRead less
Machining-induced damage mechanisms in KDP crystals. This project aims to produce damage-free potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals. How machining-induced damage reduces these crystals’ property thresholds is unclear, which hinders the development of high performance devices relying on KDP. This project will use multi-scale modelling and in-situ experiments to research machining-induced damage in KDP. This project is expected to establish a knowledge base of machining-induced damage of K ....Machining-induced damage mechanisms in KDP crystals. This project aims to produce damage-free potassium dihydrogen phosphate (KDP) crystals. How machining-induced damage reduces these crystals’ property thresholds is unclear, which hinders the development of high performance devices relying on KDP. This project will use multi-scale modelling and in-situ experiments to research machining-induced damage in KDP. This project is expected to establish a knowledge base of machining-induced damage of KDP crystals, important for high performance systems and materials sensitive to environmental conditions, including moisture and temperature.Read moreRead less
Damage-Free Surfacing of Large Brittle Wafers with On-Machine Flatness Control. The knowledge gained from this research project will be of great value to the development of new generations of high-integrity semiconductor systems for high-speed telecommunication, large-scale computation, transport, biomedicine, agriculture, mining and security. The outcomes will have significant impact on the ultra-precision discipline scientifically and will sharpen the competitive edge of the Australian fabrica ....Damage-Free Surfacing of Large Brittle Wafers with On-Machine Flatness Control. The knowledge gained from this research project will be of great value to the development of new generations of high-integrity semiconductor systems for high-speed telecommunication, large-scale computation, transport, biomedicine, agriculture, mining and security. The outcomes will have significant impact on the ultra-precision discipline scientifically and will sharpen the competitive edge of the Australian fabrication industry. The research will open up remarkable opportunities for young researchers to work in one of the most frontier fields in the 21st century.Read moreRead less
Mechanics of transverse friction and roughness in cold strip rolling. The transverse friction and roughness have a significant effect on the shape and surface quality of the rolled strip. However, mechanics of transverse friction in cold rolling have not been identified clearly. In this project, a two-dimensional mixed film lubrication model, which couples with the strip deformation and the roll stacks deformation, will be developed to quantify the effects of transverse friction and roughness on ....Mechanics of transverse friction and roughness in cold strip rolling. The transverse friction and roughness have a significant effect on the shape and surface quality of the rolled strip. However, mechanics of transverse friction in cold rolling have not been identified clearly. In this project, a two-dimensional mixed film lubrication model, which couples with the strip deformation and the roll stacks deformation, will be developed to quantify the effects of transverse friction and roughness on strip shape and surface quality. It will extend the scope of friction and roughness analysis well beyond other existing models.Read moreRead less
Life-time Modelling of Industrial Products for Reuse. Product disposal responsibility has shifted from consumers to manufacturers. Re-use of components is the most efficient strategy for product recovery, which requires reliable methods for assessing the quality and remaining life of used components. The aim of this project is to develop a lifetime model to estimate the remaining life and quality of a used component. This will enable manufacturers to estimate the potential reusability of a compo ....Life-time Modelling of Industrial Products for Reuse. Product disposal responsibility has shifted from consumers to manufacturers. Re-use of components is the most efficient strategy for product recovery, which requires reliable methods for assessing the quality and remaining life of used components. The aim of this project is to develop a lifetime model to estimate the remaining life and quality of a used component. This will enable manufacturers to estimate the potential reusability of a component without going through costly and time consuming disassembly processes. In addition, the data from the lifetime monitoring process will provide information for improving the design and manufacture of environmentally friendly products.Read moreRead less
Developing a hybrid waterjet-laser micromachining technology and associated process models for damage-free fabrication of silicon substrates. This hybrid micromachining technology will make it possible for damage-free, fast micro-fabrication of high-integrity devices such as high performance silicon solar cells. It will open new directions for the Australian manufacturing industry in micro-technologies. The environmental and economic benefits to the nation will be highly significant.