Australia’s first direct-detection dark matter search, at Stawell Gold Mine. This project aims to develop an underground integrated laboratory at Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria to host the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever direct-detection dark matter experiment. Following the Higgs boson discovery, the direct detection of dark matter is seen as the next major challenge for particle physics. This project sees Australian physicists team up with local and international partners in research and indus ....Australia’s first direct-detection dark matter search, at Stawell Gold Mine. This project aims to develop an underground integrated laboratory at Stawell Gold Mine in Victoria to host the Southern Hemisphere's first-ever direct-detection dark matter experiment. Following the Higgs boson discovery, the direct detection of dark matter is seen as the next major challenge for particle physics. This project sees Australian physicists team up with local and international partners in research and industry to join the search for dark matter. This Australian experiment aims to help to confirm or deny current results from Northern Hemisphere experiments. As the mine nears the end of its working life as a gold mine, this project is expected to benefit the local economy and provide opportunities for education and outreach.Read moreRead less
Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing an ....Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing and reduced-order state observer, supported by lab/plant experiments, and collaborating with two industry partners from coal and steel industries. The project outcomes including codes, models and raceway control strategies can help promote Australian metallurgical coal's global markets and ultimately the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Prediction of solar activity and space weather by automated analyses of solar radio and magnetic field observations and simulations. This project will build world-recognised capabilities to forecast space weather events at Earth in time to take protective measures. It involves around the clock automated identification and analysis of specific solar radio bursts, forecasting solar activity that results in transients moving Earth-ward, and simulations to predict when these will reach Earth.
Micromechanical analysis of size segregation and its prediction in granular free-surface flows. Industries often suffer from size segregation in the handling and processing of granular materials, leading to significant economic consequences. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of size segregation and prediction models, enabling industries to eliminate, minimise, or manage the effects to an acceptable level.
Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. This project aims to study the briquetting processes of fine powders, and the preparation and utilization of new brown coal (lignite)–iron ore composite briquettes in a blast furnace. Lignite is a low-cost and abundant resource, and could be used in an emerging carbon-iron ore composite briquette for low-cost ironmaking. This project will perfo ....Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. Preparation and use of lignite-iron ore composite briquettes for ironmaking. This project aims to study the briquetting processes of fine powders, and the preparation and utilization of new brown coal (lignite)–iron ore composite briquettes in a blast furnace. Lignite is a low-cost and abundant resource, and could be used in an emerging carbon-iron ore composite briquette for low-cost ironmaking. This project will perform multi-scale numerical studies, supported by lab/industry-scale experiments, to produce models and control strategies. Anticipated outcomes include better design and control of briquette's preparation and utilization in ironmaking for further cost-cutting; a new market for brown coal; and a more competitive Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Particle scale modelling and analysis of the multiphase flows in coal preparation. Australia is the world's biggest coal exporter, and black coal is Australia's largest export, with an annual value >$20 billion. Optimum design and control of the processes in coal preparation play a critical economic role in coal production. This project aims at providing substantial improvements through the application of a novel combined continuum and discrete modelling method. Specifically, the improvements ta ....Particle scale modelling and analysis of the multiphase flows in coal preparation. Australia is the world's biggest coal exporter, and black coal is Australia's largest export, with an annual value >$20 billion. Optimum design and control of the processes in coal preparation play a critical economic role in coal production. This project aims at providing substantial improvements through the application of a novel combined continuum and discrete modelling method. Specifically, the improvements targeted relate to better process and product control, a decrease in unit energy consumption and improvements in productivity, which, together with the research training offered, will further enhance Australia's leading position in global coal industry.Read moreRead less
Geomagnetic induced currents in the Australian electricity supply network. This project will develop measures to protect the Australian electricity supply network from adverse effects of enhanced solar activity. This is essential for risk assessment and long term asset management of the Australian electricity network.
Particle-scale modelling of particle-fluid flows in gas and oil extraction. Particle-scale modelling of particle-fluid flows in gas and oil extraction. This project aims to develop a particle scale model to study the pipeline transport of petroleum fluids. It will use a combined theoretical and experimental program, involving state-of-the-art discrete element modelling and simulation techniques, to describe the complex particle-fluid flow and erosion of pipeline transport in gas and oil extracti ....Particle-scale modelling of particle-fluid flows in gas and oil extraction. Particle-scale modelling of particle-fluid flows in gas and oil extraction. This project aims to develop a particle scale model to study the pipeline transport of petroleum fluids. It will use a combined theoretical and experimental program, involving state-of-the-art discrete element modelling and simulation techniques, to describe the complex particle-fluid flow and erosion of pipeline transport in gas and oil extraction, quantify the effects of key variables, and formulate strategies for optimum process control under different conditions. The research outcomes are expected to be useful for the process control of pipeline transport in Australia’s important petroleum and energy-related industries.Read moreRead less
Plasma layers, waves and fountains: Probing the ionosphere with over-the-horizon radars. The ionised layers of the Earth’s upper atmosphere – the ionosphere - bend radio waves emitted by HF radio communication and radar surveillance systems allowing detection of targets beyond the horizon. This research will provide direct scientific support to this infrastructure including the $1.8B Australian coastal surveillance radars used to locate and track ships and planes in our region and radio communic ....Plasma layers, waves and fountains: Probing the ionosphere with over-the-horizon radars. The ionised layers of the Earth’s upper atmosphere – the ionosphere - bend radio waves emitted by HF radio communication and radar surveillance systems allowing detection of targets beyond the horizon. This research will provide direct scientific support to this infrastructure including the $1.8B Australian coastal surveillance radars used to locate and track ships and planes in our region and radio communication links used by military personnel and civilians living or travelling in Australia’s remote territories. This project will also provide training in areas highly relevant to our partners in government and defense, potentially improve efficiency of scientific and military radars, and thus contribute to improving national security.Read moreRead less
De-risking new surfactant and polymer classes in personal care formulations. Personal care products are almost completely reliant on palm oil feedstocks for the surfactants or soaps that provide cleansing and conditioning. Yet, there is considerable risk in moving to alternative feedstocks for new surfactant formulations, where the design rules based in fundamental colloid science do not yet exist. In collaboration with world leading formulation expertise, this project aims to use a combination ....De-risking new surfactant and polymer classes in personal care formulations. Personal care products are almost completely reliant on palm oil feedstocks for the surfactants or soaps that provide cleansing and conditioning. Yet, there is considerable risk in moving to alternative feedstocks for new surfactant formulations, where the design rules based in fundamental colloid science do not yet exist. In collaboration with world leading formulation expertise, this project aims to use a combination of high-throughput microfluidic platforms to direct more detailed colloidal, surface and scattering techniques to drive mechanistic studies to link microstructure to formulation properties. This will lead to the design rules needed to control the synergistic interactions between surfactants and polymers in these formulations.Read moreRead less