Modelling the capillary entrapment phenomena and integrity of geological reservoirs for clean energy, water and waste management technologies. This project will improve our understanding of non-linear flow and fracture phenomena in porous media which is prerequisite for the development of new emerging technologies targeting the reduction of the greenhouse gas emission and development of effective waste and water management solutions including coal gasification, in-situ storage of natural and non ....Modelling the capillary entrapment phenomena and integrity of geological reservoirs for clean energy, water and waste management technologies. This project will improve our understanding of non-linear flow and fracture phenomena in porous media which is prerequisite for the development of new emerging technologies targeting the reduction of the greenhouse gas emission and development of effective waste and water management solutions including coal gasification, in-situ storage of natural and non-hydrocarbon gases, underground disposal of hazardous wastes and vadose zone remediation. The project will result in a dramatic improvement of the predictive tools for traditional ground water management, irrigation and petroleum recovery applications. It has the strength to place Australia in the forefront of these technologies. Read moreRead less
Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanom ....Nanotribology and Nanorheometry: A Fundamental Study of the Dynamic Interactions of Particles and Surfaces at the Molecular Level. Friction and deformation occur from the mutual motion and interaction of microscopic particles and surfaces. This research aims to develop new theories and measurement techniques for these non-equilibrium phenomena by combining mathematical analysis and numerical computations with dynamic force measurement, surface modification, and surface characterisation on nanometre and molecular length scales. These insights and data will be critically important in designing low-friction surfaces that save energy and wear, in developing nanoscopic probes for the mechanical and structural properties of soft polymeric and bio-materials, and in making high performance coatings that control adhesion and particle aggregation in technologically advanced applications.Read moreRead less
Anomalous interfacial air-bubble dynamics: the importance of electrokinetic effects in thin film drainage. Air bubbles play important roles in numerous systems including plastics and paper recycling, water treatment and mineral separation processes, foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning products, fire retardants, and natural systems such as rivers, oceans and biological fluids. The properties and behaviour of these systems and processes depend on how air bubbles in water interact with each ....Anomalous interfacial air-bubble dynamics: the importance of electrokinetic effects in thin film drainage. Air bubbles play important roles in numerous systems including plastics and paper recycling, water treatment and mineral separation processes, foodstuffs, beverages, cosmetics, cleaning products, fire retardants, and natural systems such as rivers, oceans and biological fluids. The properties and behaviour of these systems and processes depend on how air bubbles in water interact with each other, and/or with other materials. Currently our understanding of the bubble interactions is incomplete. The improved understanding gained from this research project will lead to better ability to control the properties of systems and processes such as those listed above.Read moreRead less