Minimization of emissions from dimethyl ether (DME) combustion in a diesel engine. The project works on the utilization of dimethyl ether, an innovative clean fuel produced from coal or natural gas, as a diesel substitute. The utilization of DME in diesel engines can potentially reduce the emissions by 90%, making it possible to meet the strictest engine standard. In the meantime the engine efficiency can be improved. The outcomes of the project will help accelarate the maturity of the DME mark ....Minimization of emissions from dimethyl ether (DME) combustion in a diesel engine. The project works on the utilization of dimethyl ether, an innovative clean fuel produced from coal or natural gas, as a diesel substitute. The utilization of DME in diesel engines can potentially reduce the emissions by 90%, making it possible to meet the strictest engine standard. In the meantime the engine efficiency can be improved. The outcomes of the project will help accelarate the maturity of the DME market in Australia. Read moreRead less
The study of wear debris using advanced technologies. A large portion of the operating cost of machinery is associated with wear due to the interaction between moving surfaces, which generates wear particles as by-products. The wear particles thus carry information regarding the wearing process, and can be used to assess the machine's condition and further facilitate failure prediction and minimise maintenance. This project will explore the mechanisms and possible influence of corrosion on the w ....The study of wear debris using advanced technologies. A large portion of the operating cost of machinery is associated with wear due to the interaction between moving surfaces, which generates wear particles as by-products. The wear particles thus carry information regarding the wearing process, and can be used to assess the machine's condition and further facilitate failure prediction and minimise maintenance. This project will explore the mechanisms and possible influence of corrosion on the wearing process. A new methodology will be developed to quantify the wearing process. This research will significantly advance our understanding with respect to wear and provide innovative means for identifying wear mechanisms/phases.Read moreRead less
Superior silicon carbide nanoscale sensors (SCANS) for harsh environments. This project aims to demonstrate a large increase in sensitivity, ultra-fast response, and super robust characteristics of nanoscale sensors suitable for harsh environment applications. Sensors in mining, power and aerospace industries must function properly in high temperature, aggressive chemical erosion, and high impact environments. Silicon carbide (SiC) sensors formed using a unique growth process of SiC films on lar ....Superior silicon carbide nanoscale sensors (SCANS) for harsh environments. This project aims to demonstrate a large increase in sensitivity, ultra-fast response, and super robust characteristics of nanoscale sensors suitable for harsh environment applications. Sensors in mining, power and aerospace industries must function properly in high temperature, aggressive chemical erosion, and high impact environments. Silicon carbide (SiC) sensors formed using a unique growth process of SiC films on large-diameter silicon wafers can meet these requirements through nanoscale structures. This project expects to bring direct economic benefits to the resource and manufacturing sectors, creating valuable intellectual property and new jobs for Australians.Read moreRead less
A new role for vibration analysis in gear wear modelling and prediction. This project aims to improve prediction of the remaining useful life of gears. Gears are widely used in industry and transport. This project aims to integrate the two main methods of gear condition monitoring, vibration and oil analysis, and perform model-based wear prediction with the tribology and dynamic models continually updated on the basis of measured wear debris and vibration. New signal processing tools should allo ....A new role for vibration analysis in gear wear modelling and prediction. This project aims to improve prediction of the remaining useful life of gears. Gears are widely used in industry and transport. This project aims to integrate the two main methods of gear condition monitoring, vibration and oil analysis, and perform model-based wear prediction with the tribology and dynamic models continually updated on the basis of measured wear debris and vibration. New signal processing tools should allow estimation of relatively weak friction forces, previously neglected, as an important prognostic tool. This would allow detailed root cause analysis and prediction of remaining useful life. Improvements in gear prognosis would have safety and economic benefits by eliminating unforeseen catastrophic failures and optimising maintenance schedules.Read moreRead less