Real-time imaging of crystal strengthening mechanisms in metals. The strength limit of a metal is marked by rapid motion of crystalline defects. The associated speeds can locally approach that of sound. To probe the associated mechanisms clearly requires both spatial and temporal resolution. We propose to create a new bulk x-ray technique with an unprecedented combination of temporal and spatial resolution. We plan to exploit the technique to mediate a step change in modelling strength based on ....Real-time imaging of crystal strengthening mechanisms in metals. The strength limit of a metal is marked by rapid motion of crystalline defects. The associated speeds can locally approach that of sound. To probe the associated mechanisms clearly requires both spatial and temporal resolution. We propose to create a new bulk x-ray technique with an unprecedented combination of temporal and spatial resolution. We plan to exploit the technique to mediate a step change in modelling strength based on twinning. The formation of crystalline twins is known to dictate the strength of the light metal magnesium. A fuller understanding of the effect of twinning on strength in this metal will provide much needed confidence to implement it more widely in energy saving applications.Read moreRead less
Characterisation of mechanical behaviour of lithiated silicon. This project aims to develop novel characterisation and numerical techniques, thus aiming to solve the problem of mechanical failure in silicon based high energy density lithium-ion batteries. This will be achieved through development of novel techniques for in situ microscopy observation, nano-mechanics testing and atomistic modeling. The expected outcomes are effective solutions for development of reliable and efficient battery sys ....Characterisation of mechanical behaviour of lithiated silicon. This project aims to develop novel characterisation and numerical techniques, thus aiming to solve the problem of mechanical failure in silicon based high energy density lithium-ion batteries. This will be achieved through development of novel techniques for in situ microscopy observation, nano-mechanics testing and atomistic modeling. The expected outcomes are effective solutions for development of reliable and efficient battery systems. This project will provide significant benefits in the development of new power sources and energy storage devices for mobile electronics, electric vehicle and sustainable energy industries.Read moreRead less
Discovery Early Career Researcher Award - Grant ID: DE220100527
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$420,000.00
Summary
Novel high-performance copper-based materials via additive manufacturing. This project aims to develop novel high-performance copper-based materials produced by additive manufacturing for the electrification revolution, which will provide significantly higher mechanical performance, superior electrical and thermal properties and enable flexible complex shape options. Atomic-scale microstructural analysis using advanced microscopy techniques will reveal profound new insights into the process-stru ....Novel high-performance copper-based materials via additive manufacturing. This project aims to develop novel high-performance copper-based materials produced by additive manufacturing for the electrification revolution, which will provide significantly higher mechanical performance, superior electrical and thermal properties and enable flexible complex shape options. Atomic-scale microstructural analysis using advanced microscopy techniques will reveal profound new insights into the process-structure-property relationship. Expected outcomes include new understandings of the fundamental physics of new functional materials, eco-friendly products, and an ability to facilitate the increasingly widespread use of the copper-based materials for renewable electricity towards a more sustainable society and economy.Read moreRead less
Design of Non-Equilibrium Architectures: Leveraging High Entropy Materials. Novel metallic alloys, termed as ‘high entropy materials’, will be investigated as surface coatings in order to provide improved strength, corrosion and wear performance under extreme industrial environments. This new evolution in materials engineering is created by mixing at least 5 elements in equal ratios and has recently been proven to provide excellent functionality in the bulk form. The novelty of this project is t ....Design of Non-Equilibrium Architectures: Leveraging High Entropy Materials. Novel metallic alloys, termed as ‘high entropy materials’, will be investigated as surface coatings in order to provide improved strength, corrosion and wear performance under extreme industrial environments. This new evolution in materials engineering is created by mixing at least 5 elements in equal ratios and has recently been proven to provide excellent functionality in the bulk form. The novelty of this project is that thermal spray engineering will be employed to manufacture bespoke coatings for industries such as the mining and power generation sectors. We now need to understand the materials science for a technological tipping point that directly impacts manufacturing industries for improved performance, efficiency and reliability.Read moreRead less
From One Structure to Another for Improved Materials Design. This project aims to characterise a new way of generating strengthening precipitate structures for lightweight aluminium alloys. Precipitation in the solid state is key to the performance of many materials, but is especially important for light alloys used in structural applications. This project expects to deliver greater fundamental understanding of precipitation mechanisms and generate experimental and computational methods for thre ....From One Structure to Another for Improved Materials Design. This project aims to characterise a new way of generating strengthening precipitate structures for lightweight aluminium alloys. Precipitation in the solid state is key to the performance of many materials, but is especially important for light alloys used in structural applications. This project expects to deliver greater fundamental understanding of precipitation mechanisms and generate experimental and computational methods for three-dimensional characterisation and simulations at the atomic-scale of embedded nanostructures. This should provide significant benefits for the improved design of light alloys, such as for the automotive and aerospace sectors, but also for high-tech materials whose function depends on precipitates. Read moreRead less
Control of Thermodiffusion in Liquid Multicomponent Alloys. Aims: The project aims to comprehensively study heat and mass coupling in liquid alloys by describing it mathematically, measuring it experimentally and calculating it by simulation. Significance: When a liquid alloy exists at different temperatures, the coupling of heat and mass flows causes rapid segregation of its components. This is a major complication in controlling solidification from liquid alloys in manufacturing and in the des ....Control of Thermodiffusion in Liquid Multicomponent Alloys. Aims: The project aims to comprehensively study heat and mass coupling in liquid alloys by describing it mathematically, measuring it experimentally and calculating it by simulation. Significance: When a liquid alloy exists at different temperatures, the coupling of heat and mass flows causes rapid segregation of its components. This is a major complication in controlling solidification from liquid alloys in manufacturing and in the design of liquid alloy coolants for efficient heat transfer. It has never been addressed. Expected outcomes: This research is expected to be the pioneering foundation of the area. Benefits: It is anticipated that the research would provide the means to properly control the engineering use of liquid alloys. Read moreRead less