Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy. Copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and tin metals are essential for the manufacture of new battery materials, electrical and electronic devices and technologies that will enable the global transition to sustainable energy systems. There are major technical challenges associated with the industrial scale high temperature production, separation and recycling of these metals. The aim of the present study is develop advanced ....Future copper metallurgy for the age of e-mobility and the circular economy. Copper, nickel, cobalt, chromium and tin metals are essential for the manufacture of new battery materials, electrical and electronic devices and technologies that will enable the global transition to sustainable energy systems. There are major technical challenges associated with the industrial scale high temperature production, separation and recycling of these metals. The aim of the present study is develop advanced chemical thermodynamic databases and models that can be used to predict the outcomes of these complex chemical reactions, and in doing so provide the industry with the vital fundamental scientific information and tools needed to be able to design and improve new, more efficient metal production and recycling technologies. Read moreRead less
Thermodynamic basis for ironmaking and slag recycling in circular economy. This project aims to develop new, powerful state-of-the-art computer-based tools to predict the outcomes of complex chemical reactions, high-temperature ironmaking and slag recycling processes. Globally, over 1 billion tonnes of iron are produced each year consuming 30 billion billion (Quintillion) Joules energy! and creating over 300 million tonnes of molten oxides (slags). Our industry partners need new advanced thermod ....Thermodynamic basis for ironmaking and slag recycling in circular economy. This project aims to develop new, powerful state-of-the-art computer-based tools to predict the outcomes of complex chemical reactions, high-temperature ironmaking and slag recycling processes. Globally, over 1 billion tonnes of iron are produced each year consuming 30 billion billion (Quintillion) Joules energy! and creating over 300 million tonnes of molten oxides (slags). Our industry partners need new advanced thermodynamic databases and computer models with which to optimise their major industrial processes and develop new technologies. By delivering these tools, this project expects to benefit both industry and the community through improved process efficiencies, and reductions in energy usage, pollutants, and environmental impacts.
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Microstructure control of hot-dip coated Al-Zn based alloy layers on steel . The process of hot-dip metal coating of steel has evolved to provide reliable products that find widespread application in many industries, including building and construction. This project aims to address and understand an intermittent processing problem using innovative approaches involving characterisation by synchrotron techniques and state-of-the art microscopy. Expected outcomes include increased manufacturing e ....Microstructure control of hot-dip coated Al-Zn based alloy layers on steel . The process of hot-dip metal coating of steel has evolved to provide reliable products that find widespread application in many industries, including building and construction. This project aims to address and understand an intermittent processing problem using innovative approaches involving characterisation by synchrotron techniques and state-of-the art microscopy. Expected outcomes include increased manufacturing efficiencies by identifying the cause of an intermittent processing defect and implementing methods of controlling this defect. This will help BlueScope and Australia maintain a world-leading reputation for high-quality coating products for domestic and export markets.Read moreRead less
Bias and allostery at the calcium sensing receptor. This project aims to provide a mechanistic and dynamic picture of the structure, function and physiology of the human calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), which is critical for vertebrate life. By responding to chemicals in the body, it acts as a universal nutrient sensor to maintain extracellular calcium homeostasis and mediate biological functions, including neurotransmission, inflammation, digestion, blood pressure and development. However, it i ....Bias and allostery at the calcium sensing receptor. This project aims to provide a mechanistic and dynamic picture of the structure, function and physiology of the human calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), which is critical for vertebrate life. By responding to chemicals in the body, it acts as a universal nutrient sensor to maintain extracellular calcium homeostasis and mediate biological functions, including neurotransmission, inflammation, digestion, blood pressure and development. However, it is not known how this single receptor controls the actions of multiple ligands to mediate numerous functions. By elucidating the roles of the CaSR and its ligands, this project aims to better understand fundamental physiological processes.Read moreRead less
Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing an ....Data-driven monitoring of raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces. Raceway dynamics in ironmaking blast furnaces affect operational stability and cost considerably, yet their dynamic behaviour has not been well monitored online. The project aims to develop a data-driven model for monitoring the internal state of gas-solid-powder reacting flow in the raceway and predicting raceway anomalies online. It will be achieved by combining particle-fluid numerical simulations with data processing and reduced-order state observer, supported by lab/plant experiments, and collaborating with two industry partners from coal and steel industries. The project outcomes including codes, models and raceway control strategies can help promote Australian metallurgical coal's global markets and ultimately the Australian economy.Read moreRead less
Stronger, coarser-grained biodegradable zinc alloys. This project aims to develop stronger and more durable zinc alloys for a new generation of biodegradable metals for potential load-bearing orthopaedic applications. It expects to deliver a group of novel zinc alloys with better properties and a new technology for manufacturing them, and to use advanced experimental techniques to reveal deformation and strengthening mechanisms that underlie the unusual Hall-Petch and anomalous twinning phenomen ....Stronger, coarser-grained biodegradable zinc alloys. This project aims to develop stronger and more durable zinc alloys for a new generation of biodegradable metals for potential load-bearing orthopaedic applications. It expects to deliver a group of novel zinc alloys with better properties and a new technology for manufacturing them, and to use advanced experimental techniques to reveal deformation and strengthening mechanisms that underlie the unusual Hall-Petch and anomalous twinning phenomena and the unprecedented properties of these alloys. Expected outcomes are likely to form the technology and scientific basis for developing better biodegradable metallic alloys. This has the potential eventually to create a better life for thousands of Australian patients.Read moreRead less
Stronger zinc alloys for more flexible biodegradable stents. This project aims to develop stronger zinc alloys for a new class of biodegradable metallic stents. A key challenge for biodegradable stent technology is to make stents as thin as possible while also being strong. This project will develop ultra-high strength zinc alloys that can be used to fabricate thinner biodegradable stents for easier surgical operation. The project outcomes should be a major step in the design and development of ....Stronger zinc alloys for more flexible biodegradable stents. This project aims to develop stronger zinc alloys for a new class of biodegradable metallic stents. A key challenge for biodegradable stent technology is to make stents as thin as possible while also being strong. This project will develop ultra-high strength zinc alloys that can be used to fabricate thinner biodegradable stents for easier surgical operation. The project outcomes should be a major step in the design and development of a new generation of biodegradable stents that will avoid the risks associated with existing products and potentially create a better life for millions of patients worldwide.Read moreRead less
Understanding the mechanisms of class B GPCR-transducer coupling. Current effort in developing drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) often result in low success rate due to the lack of understanding of the complexity and the spatiotemporal control of receptor function. The research program aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of receptor/transducer selectivity. The proposal integrated multi-disciplinary approaches to provide a deeper understanding of how the receptor is acti ....Understanding the mechanisms of class B GPCR-transducer coupling. Current effort in developing drugs targeting G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) often result in low success rate due to the lack of understanding of the complexity and the spatiotemporal control of receptor function. The research program aims to understand the molecular mechanisms of receptor/transducer selectivity. The proposal integrated multi-disciplinary approaches to provide a deeper understanding of how the receptor is activated responding to different ligands. The anticipated outcome including an enhanced capacity for understanding the fundamental biology, a stronger national and international collaborations. This will provide significant benefits including expanded basic knowledge and improvements in drug development efficiency. Read moreRead less
Mechanics of the shape of thin strip with varying thickness. This project aims to develop an innovative technology for the production of thin strip with controlled varying longitudinal thickness and shape. The project will propose a new thin strip rolling theory and strip shape control strategy providing an improved understanding of the mechanics of manufacturing thin strips with varying longitudinal thickness. The technology to manufacture rolled products with varying thickness for lightweight ....Mechanics of the shape of thin strip with varying thickness. This project aims to develop an innovative technology for the production of thin strip with controlled varying longitudinal thickness and shape. The project will propose a new thin strip rolling theory and strip shape control strategy providing an improved understanding of the mechanics of manufacturing thin strips with varying longitudinal thickness. The technology to manufacture rolled products with varying thickness for lightweight structures is in significant demand for the automotive, aerospace and electronics industries to reduce weight through optimum strip thickness and minimum joints. The benefits will include reduced weight, fuel consumption and construction time of automobiles and aircraft when the developed novel thin strip products are used, and therefore reducing manufacturing costs and negative environmental impacts.Read moreRead less