Analysis, simulation, fabrication and characterization of reliable, robust and scalable compact cooling elements based on semiconductor nanostructures. Modern electronic, microelectronic and optoelectronic devices generally work better when they are cooler. We aim to develop a semiconductor nanostructure cooling element which directly integrates into existing devices. The solid-state cooling element will be reliable, robust, scalable and operate in any orientation. The basis of operation is ....Analysis, simulation, fabrication and characterization of reliable, robust and scalable compact cooling elements based on semiconductor nanostructures. Modern electronic, microelectronic and optoelectronic devices generally work better when they are cooler. We aim to develop a semiconductor nanostructure cooling element which directly integrates into existing devices. The solid-state cooling element will be reliable, robust, scalable and operate in any orientation. The basis of operation is thermionic emission - electrons are the working fluid. Our project combines (1) analysis and simulation, (2) fabrication of nanostructures and (3) experimental test-benching using optical and electrical methods. The outcome of this research has the potential to revolutionize cooling of modern electronic and photonic systems, from computer motherboards to mobile phones.Read moreRead less
Simulating two-phase electrodynamic flows in droplet-based microfluidic circuit elements. The knowledge, data and analysis tools developed within this project will facilitate the economical production of electrodynamically controlled integrated droplet-based microfluidic devices for critical high-demand applications such as: genome sequencing; protein evolution, synthesis and crystallisation; micro-structured pharmaceuticals; disposable devices for biomedical analysis; portable point-of-entry (b ....Simulating two-phase electrodynamic flows in droplet-based microfluidic circuit elements. The knowledge, data and analysis tools developed within this project will facilitate the economical production of electrodynamically controlled integrated droplet-based microfluidic devices for critical high-demand applications such as: genome sequencing; protein evolution, synthesis and crystallisation; micro-structured pharmaceuticals; disposable devices for biomedical analysis; portable point-of-entry (biochem)security analysis devices. Hence this project is an investment in enabling technologies to benefit Australia's growing biotech, pharmaceutical and micro/nanotechnology sectors. Tangible community benefits (e.g., in improved diagnostic technologies, pharmaceuticals) will result.Read moreRead less
Electro-viscous effects on pressure-driven liquid flow in microchannels. Australian biotechnology, information technology and food technology industries will benefit from the development of new tailored micro- and nano-fluidic devices for processing of non-Newtonian fluids. The efficiency of functional elements such as valves, pumps, mixers, reactors, heat exchangers can be optimised for specific fluids by understanding the coupling between the fluid properties, the device geometry, surface cha ....Electro-viscous effects on pressure-driven liquid flow in microchannels. Australian biotechnology, information technology and food technology industries will benefit from the development of new tailored micro- and nano-fluidic devices for processing of non-Newtonian fluids. The efficiency of functional elements such as valves, pumps, mixers, reactors, heat exchangers can be optimised for specific fluids by understanding the coupling between the fluid properties, the device geometry, surface charge, and the numerical predictions. This understanding will complement development in related projects on non-Newtonian drop and particle formation in microfluidic flows which envisage continuous particle manufacture for novel materials possessing programmable, enhanced functional properties.Read moreRead less
Ink jet microfluidic spray drier for making high quality microencapsulated bioactive particles and nanosized particles. The proposal addresses National Research Priority area 3 (Frontier Technology). This work will develop a new, simple and effective method for producing designer smart particles that have better functional properties as well as improved uniformity for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The project will train graduates who will be able to make a high-level con ....Ink jet microfluidic spray drier for making high quality microencapsulated bioactive particles and nanosized particles. The proposal addresses National Research Priority area 3 (Frontier Technology). This work will develop a new, simple and effective method for producing designer smart particles that have better functional properties as well as improved uniformity for application in the food and pharmaceutical industries. The project will train graduates who will be able to make a high-level contribution to these Australian industries. This will also mark a development in Australia¡¯s nanotechnology capability in the bio-area.Read moreRead less
The Enhancement of Heat Transfer in Micro-Chips by MEMS actuator: Parametric Study. This challenging project has the potential of introducing a new technology for cooling micro-devices. Since the computer industry is sensitive to innovation it is necessary to develop the theoretical and practical skill for manufacturing the cooling devices. This will help Australian industry to greatly enhance its capabilities in this very important area of economy. The present project is a rare combination ....The Enhancement of Heat Transfer in Micro-Chips by MEMS actuator: Parametric Study. This challenging project has the potential of introducing a new technology for cooling micro-devices. Since the computer industry is sensitive to innovation it is necessary to develop the theoretical and practical skill for manufacturing the cooling devices. This will help Australian industry to greatly enhance its capabilities in this very important area of economy. The present project is a rare combination of multi-disciplinary studies and will result in a better understanding of the complex thermal and fluid flow phenomena in micro channels, and the design and fabrication techniques for the next generation of micro-chips. Read moreRead less
Supersonic flow past micro-scale particles: Industrial applications. Droplet based materials processing has developed significantly over the last decade, with applications in a wide range of industries where high-strength, light-weight materials are critical. Our research will allow for continued progress of this method, by developing accurate models to predict the cooling rate throughout the process and hence the physical properties of the finished product. Development of this knowledge will al ....Supersonic flow past micro-scale particles: Industrial applications. Droplet based materials processing has developed significantly over the last decade, with applications in a wide range of industries where high-strength, light-weight materials are critical. Our research will allow for continued progress of this method, by developing accurate models to predict the cooling rate throughout the process and hence the physical properties of the finished product. Development of this knowledge will allow for higher precision products to be produced and allow for new techniques to be developed. This information will allow for material processing in Australia to be maintained at world class levels, and for Australian industry to continue to lead the way in the production of technologically advanced materials.Read moreRead less
The Enhancement of heat transfer in microchannels by microelectomechanical devices. A perennial and extremely important problem in computer chip technology is the provision of adequate cooling. This project is a rare combination of multi-disciplinary activities which will lead to new knowledge in a number of poorly explored areas in heat transfer, whilst at the same time permitting the development of the necessary theoretical and practical fabrication skills for the manufacture of a realistic c ....The Enhancement of heat transfer in microchannels by microelectomechanical devices. A perennial and extremely important problem in computer chip technology is the provision of adequate cooling. This project is a rare combination of multi-disciplinary activities which will lead to new knowledge in a number of poorly explored areas in heat transfer, whilst at the same time permitting the development of the necessary theoretical and practical fabrication skills for the manufacture of a realistic cooling micro devices. The main goal of this project is therefore to design, manufacture and test a very efficient micro-channel cooling device equipped with a micro electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) synthetic jet generator.Read moreRead less