Development of advanced lithium ion battery and battery management system for electric /hybrid electric vehicle applications. This project represents a significant scientific and economic development for Australia as it aims to create advanced, high performing, energy storage devices with a focus on safety, that will provide enormous benefits for the environment. An added advantage will be the establishment of local and national expertise in the area of electrochemical energy storage systems, th ....Development of advanced lithium ion battery and battery management system for electric /hybrid electric vehicle applications. This project represents a significant scientific and economic development for Australia as it aims to create advanced, high performing, energy storage devices with a focus on safety, that will provide enormous benefits for the environment. An added advantage will be the establishment of local and national expertise in the area of electrochemical energy storage systems, that will place Australia at the forefront of lithium ion battery research and development. Flow-on benefits will also be created for Australian organizations involved in the manufacturing of electric vehicles and portable devices.Read moreRead less
Active and Passive Techniques of Shock Wave/Boundary Layer Interaction Control. The shock wave/ boundary layer interaction (SBLI) is a formidable problem in high-speed aerodynamics. We investigate a novel method, using piezoelectric flap actuators to control the interaction. The aim is to participate in an experimental programme on SBLI control using longitudinal slots at The University of Cambridge's Engineering Department, a leading international institution for SBLI control. Their longitudina ....Active and Passive Techniques of Shock Wave/Boundary Layer Interaction Control. The shock wave/ boundary layer interaction (SBLI) is a formidable problem in high-speed aerodynamics. We investigate a novel method, using piezoelectric flap actuators to control the interaction. The aim is to participate in an experimental programme on SBLI control using longitudinal slots at The University of Cambridge's Engineering Department, a leading international institution for SBLI control. Their longitudinal slot control is very similar to unimorph control so that this research can be used to improve the understanding of unimorph control. Furthermore, their CFD program can validate our past work and allow theoretical optimisation to create a smart flap system.Read moreRead less
Advanced IC engine diagnostics. The techniques to be developed will greatly improve the reliability of diesel engines, many of which are used in the mining and transport industries, extremely important to Australia's economy, and often remotely located. Not only will unforeseen costly breakdowns be minimized, but also the cost of excessive maintenance operations. This Australian developed technology will gain prestige from association with the internationally recognised company LMS International ....Advanced IC engine diagnostics. The techniques to be developed will greatly improve the reliability of diesel engines, many of which are used in the mining and transport industries, extremely important to Australia's economy, and often remotely located. Not only will unforeseen costly breakdowns be minimized, but also the cost of excessive maintenance operations. This Australian developed technology will gain prestige from association with the internationally recognised company LMS International, who supply test and simulation systems to most of the world's leading manufacturers of vehicles, aircraft etc.Read moreRead less
Dynamic Modelling and Gear Shift Simulation of Powertrains with Dual Clutch Transmissions. The project will make a significant contribution to the development and commercialisation of dual clutch transmissions, which represent a breakthrough vehicle transmission technology. The acquired knowledge and advanced simulation tools will enable engineers to design superior vehicles with improved fuel efficiency and performance. The project will hence benefit the nation and community, resulting in:
1) ....Dynamic Modelling and Gear Shift Simulation of Powertrains with Dual Clutch Transmissions. The project will make a significant contribution to the development and commercialisation of dual clutch transmissions, which represent a breakthrough vehicle transmission technology. The acquired knowledge and advanced simulation tools will enable engineers to design superior vehicles with improved fuel efficiency and performance. The project will hence benefit the nation and community, resulting in:
1) powertrains with improved fuel efficiency, drivability and gear shift quality at the lowest production cost;
2) increased employment in the automotive sector benefiting from leading the world in applying the frontier technology to vehicles;
3) increased knowledge base on complex dynamic systems, well trained researchers and engineers.
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Quantitative analysis of dynamic performance of vehicles with uncertain system parameters and road inputs. Ride comfort, road holding and stability of on-road vehicles are not only important quality indicators but major public health and safety issues. To accurately predict and prevent unsafe motions of a vehicle under all circumstances is still a major technological challenge. The research, which aims to develop a novel design theory, presents a significant step forward in tackling the challeng ....Quantitative analysis of dynamic performance of vehicles with uncertain system parameters and road inputs. Ride comfort, road holding and stability of on-road vehicles are not only important quality indicators but major public health and safety issues. To accurately predict and prevent unsafe motions of a vehicle under all circumstances is still a major technological challenge. The research, which aims to develop a novel design theory, presents a significant step forward in tackling the challenge in the quantitative performance analysis of vehicles with various uncertainties. The acquired knowledge will assist engineers in developing safer vehicles and also benefit the aeronautical, military and other transportation industries. The wider community would benefit by potentially reduced death rates and fatal injuries caused by car crashes.Read moreRead less
Demand Dependent Active Suspensions for Preventing Vehicle Rollover. Rollover crashes are a major public safety issue in Australia. Reliable and low cost anti-roll technology and the availability of required design methodology and simulation tools will greatly assist the automotive industry in improving vehicle safety and consequently enhance its competitiveness in the global marketplace. The knowledge acquired from this project would provide an essential theoretical basis for commercialising th ....Demand Dependent Active Suspensions for Preventing Vehicle Rollover. Rollover crashes are a major public safety issue in Australia. Reliable and low cost anti-roll technology and the availability of required design methodology and simulation tools will greatly assist the automotive industry in improving vehicle safety and consequently enhance its competitiveness in the global marketplace. The knowledge acquired from this project would provide an essential theoretical basis for commercialising the proposed suspensions and enhance the exports of Australian car component manufacturers. It would also benefit aeronautical, military and other industries. The wide community would benefit by potentially reduced death rates and fatal injuries caused by rollover crashes, and through increased employment in industry.Read moreRead less
Dynamic Characteristics of Kinetic Suspension Systems for Vehicle Applications. Suspension systems play a key role in vehicle dynamics and, in addition to providing ride comfort, can prevent or minimise fatal collisions by enhancing vehicle stability. This project aims to advance the theory and design of the kinetic suspension systems (KSS), which break the compromise between ride comfort and vehicle handling inherent in most existing systems. Industry Partner, Kinetic, has invented many novel K ....Dynamic Characteristics of Kinetic Suspension Systems for Vehicle Applications. Suspension systems play a key role in vehicle dynamics and, in addition to providing ride comfort, can prevent or minimise fatal collisions by enhancing vehicle stability. This project aims to advance the theory and design of the kinetic suspension systems (KSS), which break the compromise between ride comfort and vehicle handling inherent in most existing systems. Industry Partner, Kinetic, has invented many novel KSS and currently leads the world in the R&D of KSS technology. The gained ability in reliable analysis and virtual experimentation on the systems prior to prototyping and on-road tests enables the industry to rapidly commercialise the cutting-edge, safety-critical technology, thus bringing great benefits to society.Read moreRead less
An Innovative Powertrain Architecture and Optimal Energy Management for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technologies will significantly reduce the dependence of vehicles on fossil fuels, thereby reducing their emissions of carbon and other pollutants. The project will produce new knowledge in automotive engineering, software tools for vehicle design and a novel powertrain architecture with key components almost ready for commercial application. The research will ....An Innovative Powertrain Architecture and Optimal Energy Management for Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles. Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle technologies will significantly reduce the dependence of vehicles on fossil fuels, thereby reducing their emissions of carbon and other pollutants. The project will produce new knowledge in automotive engineering, software tools for vehicle design and a novel powertrain architecture with key components almost ready for commercial application. The research will directly contribute to the use of green energy and the reduction of vehicles' harmful environmental impacts. The nation will benefit from new economic activity, such as increased exports of automotive parts and components, and from strengthening its position as a world leader in reducing carbon emissions.Read moreRead less
Investigation into on-road vehicle rollovers using a combined rigid and flexible multibody model. Rollover propensity is one of the major safety indicators of vehicles. In-depth understanding of the causes and mechanisms of vehicle rollovers and the availability of advanced design and simulation tools will greatly assist the automotive industry in improving vehicle safety and consequently enhance the industry's competitiveness in the international marketplace. The developed knowledge would also ....Investigation into on-road vehicle rollovers using a combined rigid and flexible multibody model. Rollover propensity is one of the major safety indicators of vehicles. In-depth understanding of the causes and mechanisms of vehicle rollovers and the availability of advanced design and simulation tools will greatly assist the automotive industry in improving vehicle safety and consequently enhance the industry's competitiveness in the international marketplace. The developed knowledge would also benefit aeronautical, ship building and military industries which are generally well-equipped to absorb new technology and seek a competitive edge. The wide community would benefit by potentially reduced death rates and fatal injuries caused by rollover crashes, and through increased employment in industry. Read moreRead less
Improved Indian Mustard for sustainable biodiesel production. There is an urgent need to reduce Australia's dependency on fossil fuels and to improve the sustainability of the Australian farming sector. The on-farm production of biodiesel will reduce farm input costs, reduce farmer dependency on fluctuations in fossil fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Indian mustard is drought tolerant and produces inedible oil suitable for biodiesel production. The genetic improvement of Indian mu ....Improved Indian Mustard for sustainable biodiesel production. There is an urgent need to reduce Australia's dependency on fossil fuels and to improve the sustainability of the Australian farming sector. The on-farm production of biodiesel will reduce farm input costs, reduce farmer dependency on fluctuations in fossil fuel costs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Indian mustard is drought tolerant and produces inedible oil suitable for biodiesel production. The genetic improvement of Indian mustard will provide farmers with a viable crop for biodiesel production and its bio-fumigation properties make it an effective addition to the crop rotation. Useful by-products include a natural insecticide and, once the glucosinolates are removed, meal suitable for animal feed. Read moreRead less