Improving optical data storage and micromachining technology through better modelling and characterisation of their laser beams. The laser sources generally do not have simple (Gaussian) distributions. The applicant has recently developed a model, describing free propagation of complex (non-Gaussian) laser beams. This project seeks to develop a comprehending model for laser beams propagation through complex optical systems. The effects of various optical elements will be defined employing a no ....Improving optical data storage and micromachining technology through better modelling and characterisation of their laser beams. The laser sources generally do not have simple (Gaussian) distributions. The applicant has recently developed a model, describing free propagation of complex (non-Gaussian) laser beams. This project seeks to develop a comprehending model for laser beams propagation through complex optical systems. The effects of various optical elements will be defined employing a novel method known as SAFE (Stable Aggregate of Flexible Elements) which is a compromise between geometrical and physical optics. Applying this model to micromachining and optical data storage (ODS), which need high beam quality (low divergence and good focussibility), enable accurate predictive capability critical to the optimisation of micromachining and ODS designs.Read moreRead less
Electronically Conducting Nanofibres and Assemblies. With the use of new techniques that have just emerged in the last two years and are receiving rapidly growing interest throughout the world, this project will bring to Australia a new nanofabrication platform for making a variety of complex nanostructures. Fundamental researches on these complex nanostructures will greatly advance nanoscience. New nanotechnologies will be developed to address some world-wide challenging problems, e.g. energy ....Electronically Conducting Nanofibres and Assemblies. With the use of new techniques that have just emerged in the last two years and are receiving rapidly growing interest throughout the world, this project will bring to Australia a new nanofabrication platform for making a variety of complex nanostructures. Fundamental researches on these complex nanostructures will greatly advance nanoscience. New nanotechnologies will be developed to address some world-wide challenging problems, e.g. energy conversion and storage, chemical/biological sensing and other micro- and nanoelectronic devices. This project will bring both breakthrough science and frontier technologies for building and transforming Australian industries and help place Australia at the forefront of nanotechnology. Read moreRead less
Understanding the Behavior of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Liquids. The imminent manufacture of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) at prices comparable to those of high-performance polymers such as Kevlar, will open up potential applications of SWNTs as high-performance fibres and coatings. A major challenge is the development of scalable processes for producing large objects made of SWNTs. This project, in collaboration with researchers at Rice and Stanford Universities, aims to unders ....Understanding the Behavior of Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes in Liquids. The imminent manufacture of Single Walled Carbon Nanotubes (SWNTs) at prices comparable to those of high-performance polymers such as Kevlar, will open up potential applications of SWNTs as high-performance fibres and coatings. A major challenge is the development of scalable processes for producing large objects made of SWNTs. This project, in collaboration with researchers at Rice and Stanford Universities, aims to understand the principles that underlie the successful liquid state processing of SWNTs. The novel strategies that arise will cement Australia's position as a leading country for research in nanotechnology, and place it at the forefront of this field, with great potential for economic advantage.Read moreRead less
Predictive Assessment Tool for Beach Conditions Using Video Imaging and Neural Network Analysis. Beaches are vital part of Australian lifestyle and economic development. Monitoring of variable beach conditions is vital for beach safety and for management of storm erosion. The aim of this project is to develop an assessment tool which will permit a rating system of beach conditions both from an environmental as well as a leisure aspect. This tool will be developed into a software analysis system ....Predictive Assessment Tool for Beach Conditions Using Video Imaging and Neural Network Analysis. Beaches are vital part of Australian lifestyle and economic development. Monitoring of variable beach conditions is vital for beach safety and for management of storm erosion. The aim of this project is to develop an assessment tool which will permit a rating system of beach conditions both from an environmental as well as a leisure aspect. This tool will be developed into a software analysis system which will include components of artificial intelligence to enable the system to use feedback loops to create a better prediction of the beach morphology relative to the breaking wave characteristics.Read moreRead less
A New Approach to Studying Whole Bodies and Body Parts Applied to Problems of Forensic Science. To bring to the study of whole humans and human body parts, new methods capable of major advances such as those already provided by DNA technology in the study of human tissues, cells and molecules. This will allow better identification of human groups, geographic populations, gender differences and ageing.
To update facilities in forensic sciences strengthening Australian security systems thus he ....A New Approach to Studying Whole Bodies and Body Parts Applied to Problems of Forensic Science. To bring to the study of whole humans and human body parts, new methods capable of major advances such as those already provided by DNA technology in the study of human tissues, cells and molecules. This will allow better identification of human groups, geographic populations, gender differences and ageing.
To update facilities in forensic sciences strengthening Australian security systems thus helping fight terrorism and crime.
To establish international collaborations for Australia, especially with Asia.
To train young people, through Master's and Doctoral degrees programmes, in handling the new techniques and applying them to problems of forensic science
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Economic Operability Assessment of Leaching Process at Kwinana Nickel Refinery. Process operability is concerned with systematic analysis and improvement of process performance in the face of variable operating conditions. This project will develop a rigorous methodology for analysis of process operability with respect to short-term and transient disturbances. The proposed technique will be applied to the Kwinana Nickel Refinery Leach section, in order to reduce the plant variability and increas ....Economic Operability Assessment of Leaching Process at Kwinana Nickel Refinery. Process operability is concerned with systematic analysis and improvement of process performance in the face of variable operating conditions. This project will develop a rigorous methodology for analysis of process operability with respect to short-term and transient disturbances. The proposed technique will be applied to the Kwinana Nickel Refinery Leach section, in order to reduce the plant variability and increase nickel throughput and plant availability. This can be considered as significant move by a process industry to embrace advanced theoretical developments and will act as a benchmark to promote future links between Australian industry and academia.Read moreRead less
Towards Distributed Phased Array Radar for High Resolution Weather Monitoring. Several recent reports on climate change by leading international and national bodies forecast that the rate of weather hazards such as storms and wind-shear, and of weather-associated phenomena such as bush fires will increase over the next 40 years. The current technology for monitoring weather events, and effects like wind-shift, which has a serious impact on dangers associated with bush fires, has significant wea ....Towards Distributed Phased Array Radar for High Resolution Weather Monitoring. Several recent reports on climate change by leading international and national bodies forecast that the rate of weather hazards such as storms and wind-shear, and of weather-associated phenomena such as bush fires will increase over the next 40 years. The current technology for monitoring weather events, and effects like wind-shift, which has a serious impact on dangers associated with bush fires, has significant weaknesses. We will deliver considerable improvements in monitoring capability by developing the technology for using a network of small phased array radars. We aim to place monitoring resources where end-user needs are greatest.Read moreRead less
WAVELET-BASED MODELLING AND MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF COMPLEX MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRYSTALLISATION PROCESSES. The results of this project will directly contribute to a better understanding of crystallisation which is an important unit operation to achieve high purity separations. Many Australian industries for example, mineral processing, sugar processing, pharmaceuticals, etc will benefit from the results in order to enhance optimal operation and control to ensure globally competitive production ....WAVELET-BASED MODELLING AND MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF COMPLEX MULTIDIMENSIONAL CRYSTALLISATION PROCESSES. The results of this project will directly contribute to a better understanding of crystallisation which is an important unit operation to achieve high purity separations. Many Australian industries for example, mineral processing, sugar processing, pharmaceuticals, etc will benefit from the results in order to enhance optimal operation and control to ensure globally competitive production which is on time, minimize wastes and raw materials and inventories. The leading edge results will increase the contributions of these industries to the Australian economy and our global competitiveness necessary to maintain our culture and the beauty of our environment. Read moreRead less
The development of particle-depleted regions in dense suspensions of neutrally buoyant particles. We aim to measure the spatial variation of fluid speed and particle speed, and of particle concentration, across and along a pipe into which has been introduced a mixture of said particles and fluid. This problem has significance in mechanical and chemical engineering wherever particle/fluid mixtures are flowing. The expected outcomes are recognition of a major contribution to world research, as w ....The development of particle-depleted regions in dense suspensions of neutrally buoyant particles. We aim to measure the spatial variation of fluid speed and particle speed, and of particle concentration, across and along a pipe into which has been introduced a mixture of said particles and fluid. This problem has significance in mechanical and chemical engineering wherever particle/fluid mixtures are flowing. The expected outcomes are recognition of a major contribution to world research, as well as technological applications; one that motivates us is the blood shear in the bearings of a revolutionary Australian blood pump for cardiac assist that avoids both pivots and magnetic suspension for the single moving part.Read moreRead less
Operator Decision Modelling in Autonomous Systems. The incorporation of humans as decision-makers into a complex system comprising of many autonomous agents is becoming increasingly important in areas such as defence, search-and-rescue, special emergency services, bush-fire and ecology management. This project will address how human decisions are made in such systems through the formulation and demonstration of innovative algorithms which model the operator decision making process. Generating so ....Operator Decision Modelling in Autonomous Systems. The incorporation of humans as decision-makers into a complex system comprising of many autonomous agents is becoming increasingly important in areas such as defence, search-and-rescue, special emergency services, bush-fire and ecology management. This project will address how human decisions are made in such systems through the formulation and demonstration of innovative algorithms which model the operator decision making process. Generating solutions to this increasingly important area will provide Australia's industry and community services the necessary knowledge for deploying such systems and thus improving service effectiveness, as well as the implementation of autonomous systems into new areas and thus increasing economic growth.Read moreRead less