Prediction and control of fluid-structure interactions. Fluid-flows create a pressure that can deform the surface of a structure or cause it to vibrate; an extreme example is the fluttering of a flag. Flow-induced vibration of the external panels of vehicles causes damage, noise and can adversely affect performance. This project will develop a wholly new approach for the analysis of these interactions. The versatility and completeness of the approach permits a step-change in the design of panels ....Prediction and control of fluid-structure interactions. Fluid-flows create a pressure that can deform the surface of a structure or cause it to vibrate; an extreme example is the fluttering of a flag. Flow-induced vibration of the external panels of vehicles causes damage, noise and can adversely affect performance. This project will develop a wholly new approach for the analysis of these interactions. The versatility and completeness of the approach permits a step-change in the design of panels, reducing material and manufacturing costs without compromise to safety and performance - an immense benefit for the myriad engineered products or structures that feature flow over a deformable surface. Read moreRead less
Taming turbulence: Hydrodynamic stability and flow-structure interaction using grid-free computation. Turbulence is characterized as seemingly disordered fluctuations that impede the progress of an object through a fluid by creating increased frictional or drag forces. Using a new type of fluid-flow simulation, this project will generate advanced understanding of turbulence in the flow over the surface of a vehicle, be it a ship, car, aircraft or within a pipe, with the technological objective o ....Taming turbulence: Hydrodynamic stability and flow-structure interaction using grid-free computation. Turbulence is characterized as seemingly disordered fluctuations that impede the progress of an object through a fluid by creating increased frictional or drag forces. Using a new type of fluid-flow simulation, this project will generate advanced understanding of turbulence in the flow over the surface of a vehicle, be it a ship, car, aircraft or within a pipe, with the technological objective of reducing drag by adhering a compliant skin to the surface. While the correct choice of compliance relies upon understanding very complex flow-structure dynamics, the resulting technology is simple, robust and has low capital and maintenance costs. Clearly, drag reduction reduces fuel costs and lower fuel consumption is environmentally beneficial. Read moreRead less
An experimental and theoretical programme of research to resolve major obstruction-to-flow problems in bins and stockpiles. Many of Australia's industries rely on the efficient storage and handling of bulk solids materials such as minerals, chemicals, food-stuffs, agricultural products and pharmeceuticals. Often the handling processes are inefficient to the extent of affecting the economics of the industry. Here we propose two projects addressing those inefficiences resulting from stable obstr ....An experimental and theoretical programme of research to resolve major obstruction-to-flow problems in bins and stockpiles. Many of Australia's industries rely on the efficient storage and handling of bulk solids materials such as minerals, chemicals, food-stuffs, agricultural products and pharmeceuticals. Often the handling processes are inefficient to the extent of affecting the economics of the industry. Here we propose two projects addressing those inefficiences resulting from stable obstructions, such as "rat-holes", and those experimental arising from the unusual flow characteristics of fine powders. The major objectives are to use experimental and advanced mathematical modelling techniques, to produce reliable design models which minimise the occurrence of stable obstructions and provide reliable methods for increasing fine powder flow rates.Read moreRead less
Mathematical modelling of two-phase industrial granular flows. In many industrial processes involving flowing granular materials, the effect of air pressure can be significant. Such examples include pneumatic conveying, lock hoppers and air-impact moulding. The effect of pressurised air on a granular material can either compact it, or can cause sudden large flows. To model such complex phenomena, the frictional effects between the air and the solid granules must be accurately incorporated into a ....Mathematical modelling of two-phase industrial granular flows. In many industrial processes involving flowing granular materials, the effect of air pressure can be significant. Such examples include pneumatic conveying, lock hoppers and air-impact moulding. The effect of pressurised air on a granular material can either compact it, or can cause sudden large flows. To model such complex phenomena, the frictional effects between the air and the solid granules must be accurately incorporated into a two-phase continuum mechanical model for granular materials. This proposal will develop advanced mathematical models and computational procedures to predict complex two-phase granular flows for industrial problems.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.
Read moreRead less
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
Response of Metallic Foam Core Sandwich Panels under Impact and Blast Loadings. Human or natural disasters such as vehicle crashes, terrorist attacks or tsunami take place with catastrophic consequences, including significant loss of life and considerable financial losses. For example, in Australia in 2002 over 1,700 people died as a result of vehicle crashes. Research on new materials composites and novel composite structures for use in vehicles, buildings and other man-made structures will be ....Response of Metallic Foam Core Sandwich Panels under Impact and Blast Loadings. Human or natural disasters such as vehicle crashes, terrorist attacks or tsunami take place with catastrophic consequences, including significant loss of life and considerable financial losses. For example, in Australia in 2002 over 1,700 people died as a result of vehicle crashes. Research on new materials composites and novel composite structures for use in vehicles, buildings and other man-made structures will be undertaken to evaluate their performance under extreme or disastrous conditions. This project will investigate the performance of sandwich panels with a cellular core structure under high impact or blast loading conditions. The findings will be directly applicable to structural design of military and civil vehicles and components for the aerospace industry in order to mitigate the level of impact or blast loading under extreme conditions.Read moreRead less