Theory and methods for evaluation of microstructural fatigue damage. The microstructural damage accumulation stage often consumes a significant portion of the total fatigue life of structures. However, its progressive evaluation is beyond the reach of safety inspection techniques which are currently employed to maintain structural integrity and prevent fatigue failures. This project aims to fill this gap by developing innovative methods for the measurement of material properties related to fatig ....Theory and methods for evaluation of microstructural fatigue damage. The microstructural damage accumulation stage often consumes a significant portion of the total fatigue life of structures. However, its progressive evaluation is beyond the reach of safety inspection techniques which are currently employed to maintain structural integrity and prevent fatigue failures. This project aims to fill this gap by developing innovative methods for the measurement of material properties related to fatigue damage and establishing a new theory which links these properties to the remaining life of the structure. The project outcomes will facilitate the global trend towards predictive maintenance strategies, thereby generating substantial cost benefits, specifically, for high-value assets and ageing infrastructure.Read moreRead less
Advanced hard metals: microstructure-property-processing relationships. Our aim is to understand the origins of the properties of tungsten-carbide cobalt based hard metals and how these may be tuned via alloying and processing. This is significant because hard metals are used in industrial-scale turning, milling and drilling processes to cut other materials into finished parts with precise tolerance and surface finish. The expected outcomes are increased competitiveness of Australia's aerospace, ....Advanced hard metals: microstructure-property-processing relationships. Our aim is to understand the origins of the properties of tungsten-carbide cobalt based hard metals and how these may be tuned via alloying and processing. This is significant because hard metals are used in industrial-scale turning, milling and drilling processes to cut other materials into finished parts with precise tolerance and surface finish. The expected outcomes are increased competitiveness of Australia's aerospace, agriculture, biomedical, construction, defence, mechatronics, mining, and oil and gas industries, which depend on this materials technology. The benefits will be the creation of leading expertise in advanced manufacturing, support of end-user industries and the establishment of a regional R&D focal point in hard metals.Read moreRead less
Optimised flush repairs for dissimilar composite material systems. The outcome of this research project will overcome a major technological challenge when designing repairs for dissimilar composite material systems, which are being utilised at an increasing pace in a multitude of industries. This new technological capability will help to improve the competitiveness of the Australian aerospace industry.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100059
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$500,000.00
Summary
Vacuum induction furnace for casting titanium alloys. This titanium melting facility will provide a level of investment and national strategic focus necessary to sustain Australian competitive advantage in both titanium research and the global titanium market. The facility will support cutting-edge research and support the development of new titanium products.