A comprehensive theoretical and simulation model for control of nucleation, prediction of as-cast grain size, and design of grain refining technology. The research will generate know-how and methods for predicting the as-cast microstructure of all metallic alloys. The outcomes enable the design of commercially viable grain refining technologies, and the development of novel microstructures that will improve the properties and quality of new products and contribute to waste and energy reduction.
Development of new aluminium alloys through big data analytics. This project aims to address a long-term problem to effectively discover new alloys and processes using big data analytics. It expects to develop new and high-performance aluminium alloys and to generate new knowledge in the area of materials science from investigation of the strengthening and toughening mechanisms. The intended outcomes also include a validated big data analytic model for new alloy development, which further enhan ....Development of new aluminium alloys through big data analytics. This project aims to address a long-term problem to effectively discover new alloys and processes using big data analytics. It expects to develop new and high-performance aluminium alloys and to generate new knowledge in the area of materials science from investigation of the strengthening and toughening mechanisms. The intended outcomes also include a validated big data analytic model for new alloy development, which further enhances the interdisciplinary collaboration. The high performance aluminium alloys should provide significant benefits to automotive and aerospace industries as these sectors target at improving fuel efficiency through weight reduction at lower cost.Read moreRead less
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
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE130100165
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$390,000.00
Summary
Thermal and mechanical simulation laboratory for light metals. The creation of a thermal and mechanical simulation laboratory for light metals will provide the critical infrastructure needed for generating new alloys and composites. This will extend Australia's competitive advantage in the design of better alloys for expanding applications in the construction, packaging, automotive and aerospace sectors.
Linkage Infrastructure, Equipment And Facilities - Grant ID: LE110100115
Funder
Australian Research Council
Funding Amount
$430,000.00
Summary
Facility for the development of new lightweight extruded alloys and structures. This will be Australia's only large-scale, research-dedicated extrusion facility. It is expected to lead to the development of new light metal alloys, metal-matrix composites, micro-truss structures and powder base metals for structural and biomedical applications.
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
A New Approach to Advanced Steels via Cluster and Precipitate Strengthening. Formation of interphase nanoparticles and clusters is a new approach to increase strength in advanced high strength steels. Exceptionally high strength levels can be achieved in alloys that only have solute clusters by controlling the temperature-time history. However, the exact mechanism for the formation of clusters and precipitates and the cluster strengthening mechanism are not understood, nor do we know how to cont ....A New Approach to Advanced Steels via Cluster and Precipitate Strengthening. Formation of interphase nanoparticles and clusters is a new approach to increase strength in advanced high strength steels. Exceptionally high strength levels can be achieved in alloys that only have solute clusters by controlling the temperature-time history. However, the exact mechanism for the formation of clusters and precipitates and the cluster strengthening mechanism are not understood, nor do we know how to control cluster formation. This project aims to develop a fundamental understanding of the formation of clusters and nanoprecipitates and determine their contribution to strengthening and other mechanical properties using advanced characterisation techniques such as atom probe tomography and electron microscopy.Read moreRead less
Advanced high strength steels produced by energy efficient direct strip casting. Over one billion tonnes of steel is produced every year and one method of reducing the environmental footprint of this production is through strip casting. This process reduces the energy required to process liquid steel into thin sheet product by an astounding 90 per cent. This proposal aims to expand the application of this technology to new steel grades.
Controlling nickel-base alloy high temperature corrosion in CO2-rich gases. Coal provides cheap energy for Australia but emits carbon dioxide (CO2) in large quantities. The solution is to improve the efficiency of coal fired power plants and use CO2 capture technology. This is feasible by raising steam temperatures and using oxyfuel process where coal is burnt in oxygen rather than in air. Thus the hot combustion gas is very rich in CO2 plus water vapour, which is however very corrosive at high ....Controlling nickel-base alloy high temperature corrosion in CO2-rich gases. Coal provides cheap energy for Australia but emits carbon dioxide (CO2) in large quantities. The solution is to improve the efficiency of coal fired power plants and use CO2 capture technology. This is feasible by raising steam temperatures and using oxyfuel process where coal is burnt in oxygen rather than in air. Thus the hot combustion gas is very rich in CO2 plus water vapour, which is however very corrosive at high temperatures. Traditional steels are inadequate. Instead, nickel-base alloys are needed. This project aims to investigate the corrosion behaviour of nickel base alloys in carbon dioxide - water atmospheres, and ways of preventing this corrosion by controlling gas composition and appropriate alloying, which is essential for next generation power plant design.Read moreRead less
Role of oxide grain boundaries in controlling high temperature corrosion of steels by carbon dioxide-rich gases. Advanced coal combustion technologies make carbon dioxide capture possible, but require improved materials to handle hot carbon dioxide-rich gases. These gases are surprisingly corrosive and the corrosion process is not fully understood. This project aims to achieve this understanding and to provide the basis for future alloy design.