Prediction of Atomic Transport Properties in Multicomponent Engineering Alloys. Technological advances bring demands for new engineering materials and the improvement of existing ones. Since almost every property of such materials depends directly or indirectly on matter transport, it is imperative that the materials designer can accurately predict its direction and extent. This theoretical project, supported and tested by computer simulation, will provide this knowledge. It will develop a toolb ....Prediction of Atomic Transport Properties in Multicomponent Engineering Alloys. Technological advances bring demands for new engineering materials and the improvement of existing ones. Since almost every property of such materials depends directly or indirectly on matter transport, it is imperative that the materials designer can accurately predict its direction and extent. This theoretical project, supported and tested by computer simulation, will provide this knowledge. It will develop a toolbox of robust and versatile expressions for predicting and interpreting matter transport in alloy systems at high temperatures. With these expressions in hand, the designer will be in a superior position to tailor the properties of such materials.Read moreRead less
Retrofit of Steel Connections subject to Fatigue Load by Utilizing carbon fibre reinforced polymeric (CFRP) and Modified Epoxy Structural Adhesives. The proposed research project will challenge conventional methods of repairing or strengthening steel structures by using an advanced material (CFRP) together with modified epoxy structural adhesives. It will not only provide reliable retrofitting of existing structures but will also build safe, more economic and smarter steel structures. It will co ....Retrofit of Steel Connections subject to Fatigue Load by Utilizing carbon fibre reinforced polymeric (CFRP) and Modified Epoxy Structural Adhesives. The proposed research project will challenge conventional methods of repairing or strengthening steel structures by using an advanced material (CFRP) together with modified epoxy structural adhesives. It will not only provide reliable retrofitting of existing structures but will also build safe, more economic and smarter steel structures. It will contribute to the socio-economic wellbeing of Australia, including road and railway infrastructure, offshore, mining and recreation industries, increasing the international competitiveness of the Australian steel industry and infrastructure maintenance capability. Australia will be better positioned in the region for potential technology transfer to Asian and surrounding countries.Read moreRead less
Mathematical modelling of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric marine corrosion for structural reliability assessment. The project deals with structural deterioration due to steel corrosion. It is at the cutting-edge of international structural reliability research and based on the CI's previous successful corrosion modeling research. It will provide improved understanding of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric corrosion and novel physically-based mathematical models for the progression of co ....Mathematical modelling of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric marine corrosion for structural reliability assessment. The project deals with structural deterioration due to steel corrosion. It is at the cutting-edge of international structural reliability research and based on the CI's previous successful corrosion modeling research. It will provide improved understanding of tidal, splash and coastal atmospheric corrosion and novel physically-based mathematical models for the progression of corrosion with time. These can provide input for modern risk-based techniques for safety and functional performance assessment to assist with cost-effective planning, maintenance and rehabilitation decisions. The project has national economic implications for the design, maintenance and rehabilitation of Australian physical assets, including deteriorating civil infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Studies on Nanocomposite Coatings: Processing, Characterisation and Properties. Superhard nanocomposite coatings are relatively new materials that have found many applications in the manufacturing industries. The main objectives of this project are: (a)development and optimisation of fabrication techniques for a range of novel superhard nano-composites; (b) fundamental understanding of the relationships between residual stress, microstructure and composition; and (c) evaluations of fracture-mech ....Studies on Nanocomposite Coatings: Processing, Characterisation and Properties. Superhard nanocomposite coatings are relatively new materials that have found many applications in the manufacturing industries. The main objectives of this project are: (a)development and optimisation of fabrication techniques for a range of novel superhard nano-composites; (b) fundamental understanding of the relationships between residual stress, microstructure and composition; and (c) evaluations of fracture-mechanical properties including wear-resistance. Major research outcomes are improved basic knowledge of these novel nanocomposite coatings leading to optimal processing of superhard nano-materials.Read moreRead less
A Predictive Theory of Kinetic Demixing in Engineering Ceramics. Technological advances bring demands for new engineering ceramics and the improvement of existing ones. The properties of engineering ceramics are critically dependent on the composition and distribution of atomic components. However, separation or demixing of the components occurs in-service at high temperatures as a result of stress, electric fields or oxygen gradients. Demixing causes a major loss of performance and longevity. T ....A Predictive Theory of Kinetic Demixing in Engineering Ceramics. Technological advances bring demands for new engineering ceramics and the improvement of existing ones. The properties of engineering ceramics are critically dependent on the composition and distribution of atomic components. However, separation or demixing of the components occurs in-service at high temperatures as a result of stress, electric fields or oxygen gradients. Demixing causes a major loss of performance and longevity. This Project will develop a robust and versatile theory of demixing to enhance longevities of engineering ceramics. It will also guide the deliberate manipulation of demixing to generate novel compositionally-graded engineering ceramics having new properties of technological interest.Read moreRead less
A Theory to Predict and Control Porosity Occurring During Diffusion-Bonding. This Project will guide the design of strategies that will substantially improve the diffusion-bonding process and broaden the range of materials possible for bonding. Many Australian industries, from manufacturers of computer chip connectors to aircraft engines, could benefit significantly from the results of this research. By means of the training of computational and theoretical materials scientists/engineers, this P ....A Theory to Predict and Control Porosity Occurring During Diffusion-Bonding. This Project will guide the design of strategies that will substantially improve the diffusion-bonding process and broaden the range of materials possible for bonding. Many Australian industries, from manufacturers of computer chip connectors to aircraft engines, could benefit significantly from the results of this research. By means of the training of computational and theoretical materials scientists/engineers, this Project will also make a substantial contribution to building Australia's research capacity in this internationally recognized growth area.Read moreRead less
Debonding Failure in CFRP Strengthened Steel Structures. The research will make a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will enhance the capacity of Australian researchers to participate in a new cutting-edge research area, and help create a vibrant new industry for strengthening steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost efficiency and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well being of Australia inc ....Debonding Failure in CFRP Strengthened Steel Structures. The research will make a breakthrough in understanding the bond characteristics between CFRP and steel. It will enhance the capacity of Australian researchers to participate in a new cutting-edge research area, and help create a vibrant new industry for strengthening steel structures. The project will contribute to improved cost efficiency and safety of steel structures thereby contributing to the socio-economic well being of Australia including road, offshore, building and mining industries. It will increase the international competitiveness of Australian steel industry and infrastructure maintenance capability. Australia will be better positioned in this region for potential technology transfer to Asian countries.Read moreRead less
Structural reliability and remaining life estimation for deteriorating steel infrastructure. The risk-based approach to infrastructure performance allows the likelihood and extent of corrosion damage to be modelled. This will allow the safety of new and existing steel infrastructure to be assessed, and the safe remaining service life to be calculated.
Microscale evolution of deformed rocks and glaciers. Scientific outcomes from this research have significant implications for predictions on material properties and are applicable to rock behaviour in mineralised systems, a focus of Australia's minerals industry, and the development of new materials for the Australian manufacturing industries. It will help maintain Australia's excellent international research reputation in the fields of microstructural geology and glaciology.
An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assis ....An Investigation into the Behaviour of Light Gauge Steel Structures under Fire Conditions. This research will clearly result in a major national benefit with potential reduction in loss of life, loss of property and reduced insurance rates with improved fire resistant construction. Australian maufacturers will have a leading edge internationally with the use of high strength steels. There is an opportunity for Australia to become a world leader in an area of fire research. The project will assist in developing fire resistant prefabricated building systems. In also provides valuable research training to young Australians. Most importantly it will contribute to Australia's major initiatives in protecting its critical infrastructure.Read moreRead less