An investigation of the mechanism of lacquer adhesion failure on electrolytic tinplate.
Summary:
“Tin” cans used for food packaging are actually made from tin-plated steel and, in most cases, the metal is coated with a lacquer. This lacquer is required to protect the can from corrosion and the contents from taint. The incidence of adhesion failure between the metal and the lacquer has increased recently for unknown reasons, causing considerable economic loss. This project will investigate the mechanisms of adhesion failure and improve our fundamental understanding of the problem. The results will be used to enable the selection of process conditions and lacquers that are more robust and reduce the incidence of adhesion failure.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr Zhixin Chen Prof DP Dunne
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel Flat Products.
Title:
Effect of Chromium and Manganese on the Formations of Graphite and Carbide on the surface of Low Carbon Sheet Steels.
Summary:
Surface graphite and surface carbide are two surface defects observed in cold-rolled low carbon steel sheets after batch annealing under non-oxidising atmosphere. The surface defects detract from the appearance of the steel sheets and diminish the surface treatment potential of the sheets, causing significant and costly material losses. The aims of the project are to study the inhibition of surface graphite formation by the additions of Chromium and Manganese and to study the mechanism of formation of surface carbide with the aim of developing an alloying / processing strategy which eliminates both the surface graphite and the surface carbide.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Rian Johannes Dippenaar Dr D Willis Mr W Renshaw
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$72,000
$64,000
$64,000
$200,000
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Innovation.
Title:
Surface reaction kinetics of zinc gas relevant to the ZINCALUME coating process.
Summary:
The proposed project aims to develop a sound understanding of the mechanism and rate of condensation of zinc vapour on clean and partially oxidised steel strip surfaces. This Fundamental scientific knowledge is the key to furthering our understanding of the effect of process variables on the occurrence of pinholes and bare patches on ZINCALUME coated steel strip. Should the fundamental causes of defect formation be established, product quality can be improved, process costs reduced and the Australian industry's competitive position in the market place retained. A new experimental approach will be taken; conductive to the training of the researchers involved in advanced research techniques.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof SX Dou Dr G Wang Prof J Lee Dr SJ Kennedy
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$83,000
$84,000
$84,000
$251,000
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Queensland Nickel Technology Pty Ltd (A Division of Billiton) Sons of Gwalia Ltd.
Title:
Developing New Cathode Materials for Lithium-ion Batteries Using Australian Mineral Resources.
Summary:
This project will bring together expertise in electrochmistry, materials science and structure characterisation to conduct collaborative research with Australian industry partners, Queensland Nickel Technology Pty Ltd and Sons of Gwalia Ltd. The aims of this project will be to investigate a series of cathode materials for use in lithium-ion batteries. The significance of this research is that the technology for preparing a series of new electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries will be developed by taking advantage of abundant Australian minerals resourecs. The expected outcomes will be to identify several new cathode materials with high energy density, long cycle life, low toxity and low cost.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof SX Dou Dr XL Wang Mr M Ionescu A/Prof MD Sumption
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$110,000
$100,000
$100,000
$310,000
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Alphatech International The Hyper Tech Research Inc.
Title:
Fabrication and Characterisation of Magnesium Diboride Superconducting Wires.
Summary:
The newly discovered superconductivity at 40K in magnesium diboride (MgB2) opens a technical window to a range of electric power applications, previously thought accessible only with high temperature superconductors. The aim of the proposed project is to investigate the fabricability and properties of MgB2 superconducting wires using a number of processing techniques established in previous low temperature and high temperature superconductors. The expected outcome is to have a MgB2 conductor that has a higher performance in a field than niobium-titanium (NbTi) alloy, a higher operating temperature (up to 20K), but at a cost less than currently commercial NbTi wire.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr Aditya Kumar Ghose Dr R Clarke Mr P Hyland
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
State Emergency Service.
Title:
Practical methodologies for agent-oriented conceptual modelling.
Summary:
Conceptual modelling involves using knowledge representation techniques to support the requirements engineering phase of the software life-cycle. Agent-oriented conceptual modelling is a relatively new technique that offers significant benefits in modelling complex organisational information systems. However, several problems need to be addressed with current agent-oriented conceptual modelling languages and methodologies. In the context of a PhD dissertation, this project will develop an improved agent-oriented conceptual modelling framework and related requirements elicitation techniques drawing on advances in Artificial intelligenct, Requireents Engineering and Organisational Semiotics. The practical deliverables of this project will address the needs of a large complex government organisation.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr Aditya Kumar Ghose
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$45,000
$39,000
$45,000
$129,000
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel (JLA) Pty Ltd.
Title:
Integrated constraint-based planning and scheduling.
Summary:
Constraint programming is a relatively new technology based on artificial intellgence techniques that is becoming a popular tool for developing industrial optimisation solutions. While constraint programming has been used extensively for solving industrial scheduling problems, very little has been done in developing constraint-based integrated producting planning and scheduling systems. The size and complexity of typical production planning and scheduling problems requires the innovative use of the latest developments in constraint programming technology, together with a variety of other artificial intelligence techniques. This project seeks to develop and implement a new conceptual framework for integrated constraint-based planning and scheduling, using BHP Steel as a test—bed.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Peter Ranald Howe A/Prof WL Bryden
2002 $
2003 $
Total $
$56,343
$57,988
$114,331
Industry Partner(s):
Bartlett Grain.
Title:
Development of novel omega-3 enriched poultry products.
Summary:
New Health recommendations and changes to the Food Standards Code encourage greater dietary intake of omega-3 (w-3) fatty acids. Our core research on modifying fatty acid composition of poultry tissues and preliminary studies with our industry partner's proprietary fishmeal product (PorcOmega) have indicated the feasibility of producing novel meat products and eggs with high w-3 contents, which would qualify to carry a new nutrition label. We now propose, in collaboration with our industry partner, to assess the viability of producing such products by conducting poultry feeding trials with PorcOmega on a commercial scale and evaluating both the levels of w-3 enrichement of chicken breast, thigh and sausages, shelf-life and consumer acceptability (sensory evaluation) of these products. We expect to establish feeding strategies for adoption by commercial producers of premium poultry and eggs for local or export markets.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Peter Ranald Howe Dr T Mori A/Prof L Tapsell Dr B Meyer
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$121,788
$115,100
$32,545
$269,433
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Meadow Lea Foods Ltd Clover Corporation Ltd
Title:
Development and evaulation of novel foods enriched with very long chain omega-3 fatty acids.
Summary:
This project is a collaborative effort between Meadow Lea Foods, Clover Corporation, and the Universities of Wollongong and Western Australia. The aims are 1) to develop a range of functional foods enriched with omega-3 from tuna oil; 2) to see whether the recommended omega-3 intake, currently nor met by most Australians, can be achieved by including these foods in the diet; 3) to evaluate sensory and health attributes and other factors that may impact on consumer acceptability hence market potential of the food range. There is little evidence of the feasibility let alone health and social benefits of utilising novel foods to meet the dietary omega-3 recommendation. We expect a) to show how consumers could benefit by using a range of such foods in their customary diet; b) to critically set this achievement within the context of current social trends in food product development.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr Buddhima Nalin Indraratna Dr N Sivakugan Mr V Wijeyakulasuriya Mr G Fannelli
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$45,090
$45,090
$45,090
$135,270
APA(I) Awards:
2
Industry Partner(s):
Amoco Chemicals Pty Ltd Queensland Department of Main Roads
Title:
Effectiveness of prefabricated vertical band drains (PVD) in the stabilisation of soft clays.
Summary:
Stabilisation of structures in low-lying coastal Australia is affected by excessive settlement, low bearing capacity, and high lateral displacement of soft clays upon loading. The use of prefabricated vertical drains (PVD) prior to main construction can ensure pre-compression of soft clays by rapid pore water pressure dissipation, thereby increasing the soil strength and minimising its post construction deformation. The main goal is to fully understand the stabilising mechanisms of PVD in soft clay, and to minimise the unfavourable effects of soil disturbances (smear) during installation. Extensive laboratory and field studies plus computer modelling will result in innovative design concepts and enhanced construction practices.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Hua Kun Liu Dr S Zhong A/Prof J Ahn
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$67,000
$60,000
$60,000
$187,000
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Jindalee International Pty Ltd QNI Technology Pty Ltd
Title:
Investigation of Nano-materials for use in Lithium Rechargable Batteries.
Summary:
Lithium ion batteries are emerging as a new generation of rechargeable batteries for power sources of portable electronics. The aim of this project is to explore potential applications of novel nano-materials such as intermetallic alloys, transition-metal oxides, and carbon nanotubes as anode materials in lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Significance and expected outcomes will be the development of alternative anode materials with improved performance in energy capacity and cycle life over existing anode materials. This could open opportunities for Australian mineral companies to take advantage of the developments to produce value-added new products.
Chief Investigator(s):
A/Prof Fazel Naghdy Dr EA Kazmierczak Mr C Daly Dr S O'Leary
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Cochlear Ltd
Title:
A clinically valid simulator with tactile sensing to train specialists to perform cochlea implantation.
Summary:
This project aims to create a medical simulation system with tactile sensing for cochlear implant operations. The developed system will provide an opportunity to study cochlear implantation process and examine its effect in a patient before it is carried out. It will be also used to train ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) specialists in cochlear implantation, thus replacing the current costly and non-effective method of using temporal bones.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr Sarath Perera A/Prof VJ Gosbell Mr P Windle
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Powerlink Queensland
Title:
A methodology for the control of harmonics due to large distorting loads.
Summary:
The ideal electricity supply has a voltage of prescribed frequencey and value with a sinusoidal waveshape. Modern electronic equipment such as digital commuication equipment and automatic manufacturing lines draw non-sinusoidal currents which distort the voltage waveform. Electricity suppliers are responsible for limiting voltage distoration to levels set by national standards. Techniques have been developed to allow them to determine the maximum level of current distortion to which a particular customer is entitled. This project will developand verify a method for determining if a particular customer exceeds that entitlement.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Reihaneh Safavi-Naini Dr PO Ogunbona
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$77,632
$77,632
$77,632
$232,896
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Motorola Australian Research Centre
Title:
Semantic Authentication of Visual Data.
Summary:
Data authentication systems can detect the smallest modification to a message. Authentication systems for media objects such as images, and audio and video clips have a different requirement they must ensure authenticity of the content without needing all the changes to be detectable. The aims of this project are to develop a framework for design and analysis of image and video authentication systems, and construct secure and flexible systems that can be used in practice. This research addresses the urgent need of providing security for multimedia objects in electronic commerce and is of high importance to the acceptance of advanced communication and information services.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr Geoffrey Maxwell Spinks Mr D Bieniak
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Vantico Pty. Limited
Title:
Adhesive Bonding for LoadBearing Joints in Aluminium Fast Ferries.
Summary:
The aim of this project is to investigate new chemical pre-treatment techniques and new sensor technologies for specific use in adhesively bonding aluminium in the Australian Fast Ferry industry. These technologies are important in increasing the use of adhesives in ships, possibly leading to considerable weight savings, which, in turn increases the payload of the vessel. These advances in shipbuilding practice can help maintain the world-leading status of the Australian Fast Ferry industry. The technology also has the potential to expand the market for Australian-manufactured adhesives. The project also offers a stimulating learning environment for a PhD student.
Chief Investigator(s):
A/Prof David Geoffrey Steel Dr YX Lin Dr X Zhang
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Australian Bureau of Statistics
Title:
Seasonal adjustment using disaggregated short time span data.
Summary:
Seasonally adjusted economic and social times series are vital information used by governments and businesses in decision making. This project will develop statistical methods to estimate and remove seasonal factors from economic and social time series using finely disaggregated data for a relatively small number of time periods. This will enable better and quicker estimation of seasonal factors when new series are introduced or there a major changes to existing series, improving the analysis of such series and the decisions based on them.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Anh Kiet Tieu Dr C Lu
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$45,090
$45,090
$45,090
$135,270
APA(I) Awards:
2
Industry Partner(s):
BHP Steel
Title:
Strip shape performance at tandem cold mill.
Summary:
The shape of the strip at the cold mill are affected significantly by machine conditions and key process variables, and yet the inter-relationship between these key areas are not known and operators rely on trial-and-error methods to operate the mill. At high speeds, the shape of the strip leaving the mill is not good, causeing problems to rolling mills downstream. The project proposed here will integrate practical knowledge and numerical modeling of the strip shape of tandem cold mill at high speeds to optimise the quality of the strip exiting the cold mill, and enable the mill to operate at higher speeds than the current practice.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Anh Kiet Tieu
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$63,000
$55,000
$22,545
$140,545
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
Hot Strip Mill Quaker Chemical Australia
Title:
Roll bite lubrication in hot strip rolling.
Summary:
Roll bite lubrication has been applied in hot strip rolling with significant cost savings in reduced rolling force, reduced roll wear and increasede productivity. However the mechanics of roll bite lubrication in the interface is not well understood due to the high temperature of the strip, scale oxide on the surfaces and contact asperities. It is known how the surface roughness is generated after rolling. This proposed project will develop a model to simulate the roll bite lubrication process, to determine the roughness transfer from the roll surface to the strip surface, and optimise roll bite lubriation process.
Chief Investigator(s):
Dr XL Wang
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,635
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
SFC Enterprises Pty Ltd
Title:
Fabrication of Magnesium Diboride (MgB2) thick films.
Summary:
The recent discovery of superconductivity at 39 K in MgB2 has stimulated considerable interest in terms of both fundamental research and applications. The purpose of the proposed project is to conduct fundamental studies on the synthesis, structures and microstructures, and physical properties of doped and undoped MgB2 thick films. The ultimate goal of this study is to fabricate high quality MgB2 thick films on different substrates and to gain a better understanding of their various properties with a view to device application.
Chief Investigator(s):
Prof Robert Whelan Dr Kristine French Dr John Richard Baker
2002 $
2003 $
2004 $
Total $
$22,545
$22,545
$22,545
$67,365
APA(I) Awards:
1
Industry Partner(s):
NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service
Title:
Assessing the potential for and success of animal translocation: The Eastern Bristlebird as a case study.
Summary:
Translocation is set to become an important tool in the biodiversity conservation “toolbox”, especially in securing species of small, cover-dependent, poorly dispersed passerine birds. Although there is a good theory for translocations, too few have been studied in detail to direct actions or predict outcomes. This project will develop a translocation methodology for the endangered Eastern Bristlebird and use detailed trapping and radio-tracking to determine the success of founder populations and the impacts of removing animals from source sites.
