Comparing properties of innate immune proteins of bats and humans. Supra-molecular protein complexes known as signalosomes drive our innate immune response by forming large signaling hubs capable of recruiting downstream effectors. This project aims to compare the properties and structure of human and bat signalosomes and discover the molecular origins of the “supra-immunity” of bats. In this context, the project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the fundamental molecular mechanisms t ....Comparing properties of innate immune proteins of bats and humans. Supra-molecular protein complexes known as signalosomes drive our innate immune response by forming large signaling hubs capable of recruiting downstream effectors. This project aims to compare the properties and structure of human and bat signalosomes and discover the molecular origins of the “supra-immunity” of bats. In this context, the project expects to generate new knowledge concerning the fundamental molecular mechanisms that regulate the signalosomes. The intended outcome is to answer the long-standing question of control of speed and amplitude of innate immune response at the molecular level. Both locally and internationally, this new approach should provide benefits across structural biology, molecular evolution and biotechnology.Read moreRead less
In depth characterisation of the gamma delta T cell immune synapse. This project aims to comprehensively characterise the activation principles of gamma delta T cells. These cells have an understudied but central role in vertebrate immunity and development. A missing piece of the puzzle is how gamma delta T cells sense stress and how this signal leads to activation. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and structural biology. This proposal uses high-ski ....In depth characterisation of the gamma delta T cell immune synapse. This project aims to comprehensively characterise the activation principles of gamma delta T cells. These cells have an understudied but central role in vertebrate immunity and development. A missing piece of the puzzle is how gamma delta T cells sense stress and how this signal leads to activation. Expected outcomes include the generation of fundamental knowledge in immunology and structural biology. This proposal uses high-skilled techniques, including cryo-electron microscopy and single-molecule imaging and holds ancillary benefits to postgraduate students. Anticipated outcomes include influential publications, building a critical mass of expertise in Australia and fostering international collaborations with Australia at the epicentre.Read moreRead less
Reliability and design of 3D printed metal structures. The project will produce a design framework for additively manufactured (3D printed) metal structures. The project will develop open source algorithms for predicting (i) mechanical properties of 3D printed metals for given printing parameters and (ii) internal stresses and distortions arising from the printing process. Underpinned by experiments on structural components and structural reliability analyses, models will be calibrated for the n ....Reliability and design of 3D printed metal structures. The project will produce a design framework for additively manufactured (3D printed) metal structures. The project will develop open source algorithms for predicting (i) mechanical properties of 3D printed metals for given printing parameters and (ii) internal stresses and distortions arising from the printing process. Underpinned by experiments on structural components and structural reliability analyses, models will be calibrated for the nonlinear analysis of 3D printed structures, and a methodology will be set out for designing 3D printed metal structures with acceptably low probability of failure. The project will enable structural engineers to safely and efficiently design 3D printed metal structures and components.Read moreRead less
Complete limit state analysis of steel structural framework. This project aims to produce a design-by-analysis method for steel frameworks that explicitly models the complete set of failure modes including fracture of connections. The project will develop models that can accurately predict the fracture behaviour of welded and bolted connections, and system reliability calibrations that account for random variations in the parameters controlling the strength of steel frameworks including fracture ....Complete limit state analysis of steel structural framework. This project aims to produce a design-by-analysis method for steel frameworks that explicitly models the complete set of failure modes including fracture of connections. The project will develop models that can accurately predict the fracture behaviour of welded and bolted connections, and system reliability calibrations that account for random variations in the parameters controlling the strength of steel frameworks including fracture. The outcomes of this project will advance the design of steel structures, as it will become possible to analyse any type of structure for any type of failure including fracture. The design method will enable Australian structural engineers to enhance their competitive edge internationally, and maintain their preeminent record of producing innovative structural solutions.Read moreRead less
Light steel roof and wall systems under combined wind and bushfire actions. The project aims to investigate the complex behaviour of light cold-formed-steel roof and wall systems involving localized failures under the combined action of wind and bushfire using wind suction tests at elevated temperatures combined with advanced numerical modelling. It will generate new knowledge of the behaviour and strength of cold-formed-steel roof and wall systems under bushfire conditions. Expected outcomes in ....Light steel roof and wall systems under combined wind and bushfire actions. The project aims to investigate the complex behaviour of light cold-formed-steel roof and wall systems involving localized failures under the combined action of wind and bushfire using wind suction tests at elevated temperatures combined with advanced numerical modelling. It will generate new knowledge of the behaviour and strength of cold-formed-steel roof and wall systems under bushfire conditions. Expected outcomes include new design models for wind, bushfire and cold-formed-steel Standards. This will significantly improve the bushfire safety of buildings, since non-combustible steel roof and wall systems are used as building envelopes in bushfire prone areas, but are not designed to withstand recently discovered bushfire-enhanced winds.Read moreRead less
Real-time bridge performance evaluation based on crowdsourcing and learning. This project aims to develop a novel strategy utilizing the real-time measurements from moving vehicles and bridges for evaluating the safety and operational performance of bridges based on transfer learning and vehicle-bridge interaction model. This is the first essential study on integrating the bridge-moving load models with transfer learning to extract common knowledge from simulation experiments to support the asse ....Real-time bridge performance evaluation based on crowdsourcing and learning. This project aims to develop a novel strategy utilizing the real-time measurements from moving vehicles and bridges for evaluating the safety and operational performance of bridges based on transfer learning and vehicle-bridge interaction model. This is the first essential study on integrating the bridge-moving load models with transfer learning to extract common knowledge from simulation experiments to support the assessment of damaged status in practice. The project will provide an engineer-friendly low cost monitoring system for its deployment, management and maintenance of existing transport infrastructure. The innovative techniques developed enable the safe operation and reliable evaluation and maintenance of transport infrastructure.Read moreRead less
3D integrated crystalline UV optical lens-fiber couplers for astronomy. This project aims to create micro-optics for astronomical and bio medical applications by 3D sculpturing them out of crystals by ultra-short pulse lasers. This project will introduce a new 3D fabrication approach of optical probes which have self-aligned micro-optical elements and optical fibres for a wide spectral range and with high quality optical surfaces. Expected outcomes of this project include building new capabiliti ....3D integrated crystalline UV optical lens-fiber couplers for astronomy. This project aims to create micro-optics for astronomical and bio medical applications by 3D sculpturing them out of crystals by ultra-short pulse lasers. This project will introduce a new 3D fabrication approach of optical probes which have self-aligned micro-optical elements and optical fibres for a wide spectral range and with high quality optical surfaces. Expected outcomes of this project include building new capabilities in micro-optical probes for industrial environments, establishing new solutions for international astronomy partners, and developing new techniques to image through optical fibres. This should provide significant benefits by improving astronomical instrumentation and also lead to less invasive endoscopy.Read moreRead less
New laser and mass spectrometry methods for detecting protonation isomers. Mass spectrometry is a major tool for the detection of molecules for understanding disease, pollution control and chemical synthesis. However, intricate differences in molecular structure - vital to chemical function - can confuse detection methods leading to false negatives. This is especially problematic for complex biological samples. Recent breakthroughs in laser-based mass spectrometry methods, combined with ion mobi ....New laser and mass spectrometry methods for detecting protonation isomers. Mass spectrometry is a major tool for the detection of molecules for understanding disease, pollution control and chemical synthesis. However, intricate differences in molecular structure - vital to chemical function - can confuse detection methods leading to false negatives. This is especially problematic for complex biological samples. Recent breakthroughs in laser-based mass spectrometry methods, combined with ion mobility, now allow detection of subtle yet important structural features. This project aims to exploit these advances by developing new instrumentation and protocols with these enhanced capabilities thus accelerating advances in automated mass spectrometry, improved antibiotic detection and complex biomolecule screening.Read moreRead less
Mitigating Vehicular Crashes into Masonry Buildings . Around 2000 vehicles crash annually into school, home and shop buildings located at close proximity to heavily trafficked roads in Australia and cause significant distress to occupants of building and vehicle. The impacted walls mostly of masonry, suffer severe damage often with vehicle intrusion into the building. Despite this, the intrusion mechanism is not understood and no effective mitigation strategies exist at present. This project wi ....Mitigating Vehicular Crashes into Masonry Buildings . Around 2000 vehicles crash annually into school, home and shop buildings located at close proximity to heavily trafficked roads in Australia and cause significant distress to occupants of building and vehicle. The impacted walls mostly of masonry, suffer severe damage often with vehicle intrusion into the building. Despite this, the intrusion mechanism is not understood and no effective mitigation strategies exist at present. This project will uncover the mechanics of vehicle intrusions through masonry walls and develop novel mitigation strategies using high energy absorbing auxetic composite render and innovative vibration isolation at wall edges. These innovations will lead to new theories that can save lives in the building and vehicle.Read moreRead less
Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. This project aims to study gas explosion resistance of non-cement-based ultra-high performance concrete after fire hazards. Fuel gases such as natural gas and hydrogen are becoming increasingly more popular in Australia. Due to their wide flammability range, there is considerable concern about the potential fire and explosion hazard. Until now, there is limited knowledge on this topic and conventional concrete has been prove ....Gas Explosion Resistance of Non-Cement Based High Performance Concrete. This project aims to study gas explosion resistance of non-cement-based ultra-high performance concrete after fire hazards. Fuel gases such as natural gas and hydrogen are becoming increasingly more popular in Australia. Due to their wide flammability range, there is considerable concern about the potential fire and explosion hazard. Until now, there is limited knowledge on this topic and conventional concrete has been proved incapable of handling this multi-hazard scenario. The expected outcomes of this project include a detailed knowledge of multi-hazard scenario and a safety design with the non-cement-based ultra-high performance concrete. Successful delivery of this project ensures structural safety in Australia and wider community.Read moreRead less