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SCHOOL OF AEROSPACE, MECHANICAL AND MANUFACTURING ENGINEERING

SIR LAWRENCE WACKETT AEROSPACE RESEARCH CENTRE SUMMER INTERN SCHOLARSHIP OPPORTUNITIES FOR 2013

EXPECTED DURATION: 25TH NOVEMBER 2013 – 28TH FEBRUARY 2014MONETARY AMOUNT FOR ALL SCHOLARSHIPS IS $5000

SCHOLARSHIP NUMBER

TITLE OF PROJECT

SUPERVISOR OR SPONSOR DETAILS

REQUIREMENTS/COMMENTS

1. Multi-functional and structural nanocomposites by design

Dr George [email protected]: 9925 3210

Apply RMIT websitehttp://www.rmit.edu.au/about/employment-opportunities

2. Lighter-than-air stationary observation UAV platform

Assoc Prof Cees [email protected]: 9925 6176


3. Aircraft flight path optimisation using prevailing wind models

Assoc Prof Cees [email protected]: 9925 6176


4. Assessment of inhalation exposure of ozone initiated chemistry in airline cabins

Prof. Jiyuan [email protected]: 9925 6191


5. Selective laser melting for titanium bonding with improved surface preparation

Dr Adrian [email protected]: 9925 6092


6. Characterisation of mechanical and electrical

Dr Adrian [email protected]: 9925 6092

Apply RMIT websitehttp://www.rmit.edu.au/about/employment-

http://www.rmit.edu.au/about/employment-opportunities


mailto:[email protected]





















degradation in flexible solar cells

opportunities



7. Analysis of the effectiveness of civil primary surveillance radar for the detection of small unmanned aircraft systems

Dr Reece [email protected]: 9925 7007


8. Optical fibre sensors for greener and safer air data systems

Dr Graham [email protected]: 9925 8015


9. Fly-by-light uavs: design and implementation of an all optical power and flight control system

Dr Graham [email protected]: 9925 8015


10. Flax laminate aluminium reinforced epoxy (flare) for automotive and rail engineering

Dr Everson [email protected] 9925 6166


11. Improving acoustic properties of composite aircraft structures

Dr Akbar [email protected] 9925 6105


12. Heat transfer enhancement using two-phase flow in microchannels

Prof. Gary [email protected] 9925 8020

Apply RMIT websitehttp://www.rmit.edu.au/about/employment-opportunitiesIt is expected the student will have an interest in thermal fluids or microtechnology and have studied some fluid mechanics and heat transfer.

** Please make sure you indicate which project you are interested in applying for**

























Scholarship Number 1

Project Proposal: MULTI-FUNCTIONAL AND STRUCTURAL NANOCOMPOSITES

BY DESIGN

Background: Graphene-based polymer nanocomposites are an emerging class of highly

functional advanced materials that hold promise for a more versatile and cheaper alternative

to conventional composite materials. Their full potential can only truly be realised by

exploring these structures at the atomic-level to gain a fundamental understanding of the

structure-property relation. The aim of this project is to use molecular modelling to develop

graphene-based composites with superior structural, thermo-mechanical and electrical

properties. We propose to apply computational modelling to complement experimental

fabrication and testing to obtain a basic understanding of the effects of processing conditions

on the structural and functional performance of these novel structures.

Aim: To develop multi-phase graphene-enhanced polymer nanocomposites with improved

structural, thermo-mechanical and transport (electrical and thermal) properties.

Research Activities:

Computational molecular models of graphene-based nanocomposites will be

developed in complete atomic detail based on experimental processing conditions

using highly advanced molecular modelling software.

The candidate will implement molecular dynamics to investigate the effects of curing

conditions and parameters including applied electric field, resin viscosity and volume

fraction on the ability of graphene to form thermal and electrical conductive networks

within the composite

Research Innovations: A great deal of information about the properties of complex

composite systems can be obtained from the structure and interactions at the atomic scale.

However, for graphene-based nanocomposites, the atomic level structure-property

relationship is lacking. This highly innovative project performed via a cross-disciplinary

approach, aims to allow the discovery of fundamental insights into the mechanics and

transport mechanisms in graphene-based nanocomposites.

Significance: The significance of this project is the discovery of new enabling science to

enhance

structural, thermal-mechanical and transport (electrical and thermal) properties of multi-phase

polymeric composites. Research outcomes from this collaborative project will enable the

tailoring of nanocomposite properties for a wide range of applications in areas that address

many of Australia’s major social and environmental challenges. These include sensor

technology, civil engineering and automotive and air transport, which are vital in helping

reduce CO2 emission and other pollutants generated from the consumption of fossil fuels.

Supervisors: Dr. George Yiapanis, Dr. Everson Kandare, Dr. Akbar A. Khatibi, Prof. Irene

Yarovsky

Snapshot of epoxy/graphene interface in full atomic detail.

Image depicting graphene flakes buckling upon application of an electric field.


Project Proposal: LIGHTER-THAN-AIR STATIONARY OBSERVATION UAV

PLATFORM

Aim: Lighter-Than-Air vehicles were the first devices capable of lifting a useful payload.

Recent advances in material technology and design allow balloons to be closed and support

high pressure. These balloons have the capacity to stay aloft for very long times with low

energy consumption. These types of balloons are attractive as a stationary platform, e.g. for

earth observation, telecommunication, relay, etc.


• Develop a model LTA UAV that can be used for experimental testing.

• Development control laws for station-keeping under vaious external disturbances.

• Conduct verification of control law design in actual experiment.

• Optimise control laws to minimise energy usage.

Supervisors: A/Prof Cees Bil, A/Prof Roberto Sabatini


Project Proposal: AIRCRAFT FLIGHT PATH OPTIMISATION USING

PREVAILING WIND MODELS

Aim: Air traffic makes extensive use of prevailing winds to optimise their flight path for

minimum fuel consumption.

The use of satellite Earth observation techniques has improved the temporal and

special forecasting of average winds.

Tracking tail winds or reducing head winds reduces fuel consumption for air traffic.


• Develop a typical wind model for a Dubai to Melbourne route as obtained from

satellite data and other sources.

• Extend the ATM optimisation technique developed at SAMME to include wind data.

• Conduct optimisation simulations for Dubai to Melbourne and vice versa air traffic.

Supervisors (and advisory team): A/Prof Cees Bil, Prof. Andrew Eberhard (SMGC), Grant

Williams (Thales)

THE CURRENT STATE OF SATELLITE DERIVED WIND FORECASTS AND POTENTIAL IMPROVEMENTS IN THE GOES-R ERA. EMPHASIS: A PARADIGM SHIFT IN TEMPORAL AND SPATIAL RESOLUTION FOR EARTH OBSERVATIONS Kevin M. Lausten * The Boeing Company, Mission Systems, Springfield, VA 22153


Project Proposal: ASSESSMENT OF INHALATION EXPOSURE OF OZONE

INITIATED CHEMISTRY IN AIRLINE CABINS

Background: Ozone is a photochemical pollutant whose outdoor concentration frequently

exceeds the National Ambient Air Quality Standards. Cabin ozone originates either from

outdoor air entry on the ground or during the course of flying. It is an important indoor

pollutant not only due to its own adverse health effects, but also due to its ability to react with

other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), either in the gas phase or on indoor surfaces

including occupants (passengers et al.), to form products called ozone-derived secondary

emissions (such as formaldehyde and ultrafine particles), which may be more harmful than

primary emissions from indoor materials.

Aim: To determine the effects caused by exposure, inhalation, deposition, and respiratory

cell responses to contaminants found in aircraft

cabins, which will allow development of an

innovative and integrated predictive tool for health

risk assessment. The research questions of this

project include:


• Identify possible Ozone-initiated

reaction mechanisms in air cabin

environments.

• Perform Computational Fluid

Dynamics (CFD) simulations to assess

the impact of the Ozone-initiated

chemistry on cabin air quality

Supervisors: Prof Jiyuan Tu, Dr Kiao Inthavong

CFD Simulations of Inhaled Exposure of Ozone

Schematic of Inhalation Exposure of Ozone Initiated Chemistry Measurements


Project Proposal: SELECTIVE LASER MELTING FOR TITANIUM BONDING

WITH IMPROVED SURFACE PREPARATION

Background: Adhesive bonding to titanium remains an expensive challenge for many high

performance industries, due to the significant effort required to prepare the hard and smooth

surface of titanium manufactured using traditional methods. Selective laser melting can

produce titanium products with an increased surface roughness, where the characteristics of

the surface are directly related to the SLM processing parameters. This has the potential for

manufacture of tailored SLM parts with improved bonding performance.

Aim: To optimise the surface of SLM-manufactured titanium for adhesive bonding, and

compare this to traditional manufacturing and bonding surface preparation techniques.


• Investigate the relationship between processing parameters, surface characteristics

and bond strength for SLM-manufactured titanium.

• Investigate the mechanical properties of an SLM-manufactured specimen where the

surface has been optimised for adhesive bonding.

Supervisors: Dr Adrian Orifici, Dr Stefanie Feih

Selective laser melting process


Project Proposal: CHARACTERISATION OF MECHANICAL AND ELECTRICAL

DEGRADATION IN FLEXIBLE SOLAR CELLS

Background: Flexible solar cells are seeing increasing use across a wide range of

applications and industries. However, the performance of flexible solar cells under

mechanical loads is not well known, and in particular the link between mechanical loading

and degradation and reduction in electrical performance is unclear.

Aim: To study the effect of mechanical loading on the performance of flexible solar cells,

and investigate the link between mechanical loading and electrical performance.


• Characterise the mechanical properties of flexible solar cells in static and fatigue

loads.

• Characterise the electrical performance of mechanically tested solar cells

• Develop a relationship between the mechanical and electrical performance.

Supervisors: Dr Adrian Orifici, Prof. Chun Wang

Flexible solar cell panel

Schematic of solar cell

Solar cell tension testing


Project Proposal: ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECTIVENESS OF CIVIL PRIMARY

SURVEILLANCE RADAR FOR THE DETECTION OF SMALL UNMANNED

AIRCRAFT SYSTEMS

Background: The 2013 Teal Report estimated the UAS market to be worth of $85 billion

U.S. dollars over the next decade [1]. Approximately 88% of the total Unmanned Aircraft

(UA) fleet are expected to belong to the mini UA or small UA classes [1]. Their small size

coupled with their construction from materials such as plastic, wood, fibreglass and

composite fibre are likely to make UA difficult to detect using primary radar systems. This

poses an issue for Air Traffic Control (ATC), which is reliant on the use of primary radar

systems for airspace surveillance, precision approaches and for monitoring surface

movements at airports. Whilst small UA are not expected to routinely use controlled

aerodromes, there is the potential for UA to violate control areas. Such a situation occurred in

October 2012 when a remote pilot lost control of an unmanned airship in Keysborough,

Victoria. The airship proceeded to violate the Moorabbin Class D control area [2]. The

airship came within 2.7NM of Moorabbin airport and reached a maximum altitude of 1,930ft

[2] making it a direct collision threat to aircraft using the active airfield. Primary Surveillance

Radar (PSR) is necessary for the detection of non-cooperative (non-transponder equipped)

aircraft.1 As the number of small UA flying in suburban areas increases, so too will the

potential for small UA to stray into controlled airspace.

Aims and Objectives: The aim of this project is to determine the visibility of a range of

typical civil and commercial UAS to standard air traffic control PSR. To date, there is no

publically available data on the radar cross section (RCS) of typical commercial-off-the-shelf

unmanned aircraft. This study intends to be the first in the world to conduct such analysis.


• Create CAD models of a typical multi-rotor, small and medium sized fixed wing UA;

• Estimate the Radar Cross Section (RCS) of the three UA using existing numerical

modelling techniques;

• Verify modelled results using experimental data conducted in the RMIT School of

Electrical and Computer Engineering RF anechoic test chamber;

• Publish results in high quality journal paper.

1 It is worth noting that Moorabbin airport is not equipped with a primary surveillance radar (PSR) and that the wayward airship was detected visually by an Air Traffic Controller in the Moorabbin tower.

Research Significance: The outcomes from this study will be of significant interest to Air

Navigation Service Providers, ATM surveillance technology suppliers (e.g., Thales,

Raytheon, Saab Sensis) and UAS manufacturers around the world. This study will be a key

input to a review of the effectiveness of existing ATM surveillance systems and procedures

for UAS.

Supervisors: Dr. Reece Clothier & Dr. Roberto Sabatini

Dr Reece Clothier and Mr Thomas Baum

References:

[1] Zaloga SJ., Rockwell D., and Finnegan P. (2013) “2013 Market Profile and Forecast,

World Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Systems.” Teal Group Corporation, Fairfax, VA, USA.

[2] “Airspace incursion involving unmanned airship, Airship 11, 2.7 NM E of Moorabbin

Airport, Victoria on 28 October 2012.” Investigation number: AO-2012-143. Australian

Transportation Safety Bureau, Canberra, Australia. Retrieved from:

http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/4090797/AO-2012-143%20Final.pdf (5-Aug-13)

http://www.atsb.gov.au/media/4090797/AO-2012-143%20Final.pdf


Project Proposal: OPTICAL FIBRE SENSORS FOR GREENER AND SAFER AIR

DATA SYSTEMS

Background: Air data instruments represent the most fundamental of traditional mechanical

and electronic sensors used in aircraft. The air data system gathers information about

airspeed, altitude, and rate of climb/descent. However, the fact that these systems are

mechanical and electronic means they are relatively heavy and pose a fire risk. The solution

posed in this research is to replace these traditional instruments with innovative optical fibre

solutions. These novel optical fibre instruments will be lighter, as well as inherently safer.

Aim: To design transducers that will convert air pressure into strain to be measured by an

optical fibre Bragg grating, which will have sensitivities given the range and resolution of the

pressure measurements required.


• Finite Element Modelling (FEM) of relatively simple pressure transducers, based on

design specifications.

• Fabricate prototype transducers and measure static, dynamic, and differential

pressures, based on altimeter, airspeed indicator, and vertical velocity indicator.

Supervisor: Dr Graham Wild

FBG Operating Principle

Air data instrument: vertical velocity indicator

MOEM based FBG pressure sensor

Pitot tube


Project Proposal: FLY-BY-LIGHT UAVS: DESIGN AND IMPLEMENTATION OF

AN ALL OPTICAL POWER AND FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM

Background: Electrical systems in aircraft consume considerable weight and space, while

also presenting an increased risk of fire. Optical fibre technology represents a lighter, more

compact way of delivering greater data rates, with little to no associated fire risk. Recent

developments also mean that power can be transmitted over optical fibre links. Based on a

preliminary feasibility study, on the data and power requirements of UAV flight control

systems, this project will develop the first all optical fly-by-light aircraft flight control

systems.

Aim: To design a full “3 axis” fly-by-light control system for an appropriate UAV.

Further experimental work may be possible, to control and power a servo via an optical fibre

link, facilitating the design and development of a 3 axis flight by light control system


• Feasibility study of all optical fly-by-light flight control systems

• Design and implementation of single and then multi-axis fly-by-light control systems,

for use in test conditions, and then in flight tests.

Supervisors: Dr Graham Wild, Dr Reece Clothier

Photovoltaic (solar) cell

The proposed UAV to be converted

Servomotor internal electronics and

mechanism

The extensive electrical cabling in the Concord


Project Proposal: FLAX LAMINATE ALUMINIUM REINFORCED EPOXY (FLARE) FOR AUTOMOTIVE AND RAIL ENGINEERING

Background: There has been an extensive drive towards the development of new light-weight materials for automotive and rail applications with the objective to reduce CO2 emissions. Glass Laminate Aluminium Reinforced Epoxy (GLARE) composites are a success story of the hybridisation design process combining desirable properties of metallic alloys and fibre/polymer laminates. However, GLARE is relatively expensive when considered for less structurally-demanding engineering applications such as automotive and rail. Thus, the replacement of glass reinforcements by relatively cheaper and lighter bio-fibre counterparts, could offer a cost-effective solution to the challenge of reducing the carbon footprint from road and rail transport systems. A new metal bio-fibre laminate is proposed that will satisfy criteria for automotive and rail application: (i) high specific structural properties, (ii) engineering sustainability and (iii) cost effectiveness. In this project, flax fibres have been proposed at replacement for glass reinforcements due to their comparable mechanical properties to the later. The successful development of a new class of a hybrid composite material such as Flax Laminate Aluminium Reinforced Epoxy (FLARE) demands a good understanding of many fundamental scientific issues governing the mechanics of such hybrid systems. The basic understanding of the effect of bio-fibres on the structural performance of metal-fibre laminates is lacking and is subject of the proposed project.

Aim: To design and develop aluminium bio-fibre hybrid laminate composites with high specific structural properties for automotive and rail engineering applications.

Research Activities: To develop and evaluate the mechanics of FLARE composites with the objective to incorporate this

new material in automotive and rail engineering. To investigate the effect of flax fibres on the mechanics of the hybrid composites To explore the feasibility of replacing glass reinforcements with bio-fibres for applications in

automotive and rail sectors

Research Innovations: The proposed project will lead to the development of a new hybrid composite incorporating the mechanical properties of aluminium and flax/epoxy. This will be the first time FLARE composites would have been reported in literature. That is, there are numerous discoveries concerning the fundamental mechanics of this novel material that stand to be uncovered. The inclusion of flax fibres in place of glass reinforcements is in itself an innovative approach with a promising outlook for the automotive and rail industry.

Significance: The combination of aluminium alloys with bio-fibres offers an opportunity to create new hybrid materials with increased specific mechanical properties. This new class of material has potential to help solve some of the complex social and environmental challenges of our generation including significant reductions in CO2 emissions. Research outcomes from this project will enable the tailoring of new hybrid material properties for a wide range of applications within the automotive and rail industries. The inclusion of light-weight materials generated from renewable resources is one way of reducing CO 2

emission and other pollutants generated from the consumption of fossil fuels. The proposed project falls under the field of advanced composite structures which is one of the main focus areas within SAMME.

Supervisors: Dr. Everson Kandare and Dr. Akbar A. Khatibi


Project Proposal: IMPROVING ACOUSTIC PROPERTIES OF COMPOSITE AIRCRAFT STRUCTURES

Background: In recent years, there has been an extensive demand to reduce the noise level in commercial aircrafts. Current research is mostly concentrated on long term solutions such as lowering aerodynamic-, engine- and other mechanical noise produced during take-off, cruise and landing. In addition to these approaches, it is also important to reduce the interior cabin’s noise level to provide more passenger comfort especially during long flights. Although composite laminates containing natural fibres have superior acoustic properties they, however, suffer from low mechanical properties and cannot be used as load bearing components. Hybrid materials incorporating natural fibres (flax) and synthetic fibres (glass or carbon) could provide the solution to improving acoustic properties without compromising structural integrity of composite aircrafts.

Aim: To investigate the acoustic and mechanical properties of hybrid composites in order to optimise the laminate layup and its constituent materials

Research Activities:• Develop a numerical model to simulate acoustic properties of hybrid composite laminates• Conduct a parametric study to identify important factors that affect structural and acoustic

properties of hybrid laminates• Manufacture hybrid composite laminates and measure their mechanical and acoustic properties• Validate the predictive numerical model for acoustic and structural properties

Research Innovations: The development of numerical models to simulate the acoustic behaviour of hybrid composite laminates will provide a tool to investigate the effects of varying constituent fibre reinforcements on this property. Additionally, the configuration effect (e.g., lay-up sequence) of different fibre/polymer plies will be investigated with the objective to discover mechanisms that govern acoustic behaviour. This highly innovative project, performed via a cross-disciplinary approach, will aim to provide fundamental insights into the mechanics of multifunctional hybrid composite materials. The combination of experimental and theoretical approaches is expected to lead to the design and development of novel hybrid composite materials optimised for increased structural and acoustic performance.

Significance: The significance of this project lies in the discovery of new science enabling the design and development of new composite materials offering the combination of superior structural and acoustic properties. The research outcomes from the proposed project should enable the optimisation of hybrid fibre/polymer composites for structurally-demanding applications where noise reduction is also a requirement. The use of natural fibres in the development of the proposed composite materials should help address some of our major social and environmental challenges including the reduction of CO2

emissions. The proposed hybrid composite materials address some of the strategic research priorities of the Australian Government, those of ‘maximising Australia’s competitive advantage in critical sectors’.

This project also responds to the University's strategic research priorities in the area of “smart technology solutions” and has potential applications across various industrial sectors including aerospace, automotive and rail. These are some of the research areas identified by RMIT for advancing strategic partnerships in education and research. This project presents a unique opportunity to strategically integrate natural fibres into structural fibre/polymer composites with the objective to create new and better materials with enhanced acoustic properties.

Supervisors: Dr. Akbar A. Khatibi and Dr. Everson Kandare


Project Proposal: HEAT TRANSFER ENHANCEMENT USING TWO-PHASE FLOW IN MICROCHANNELS

Background: The removal of high heat flux from miniaturised electronic devices is an increasing problem as more elements are packed onto computer chips. High density microchannel heat sinks have been developed to help solve this problem, but they are limited to laminar flow and thus relatively low heat transfer rates. One method to increase the heat transfer rate is to utilise 2 immiscible liquids, like water and oil for example, to form what is called slug flow or Taylor flow. It has been shown that Taylor flow can increase heat transfer rates by several hundred per cent, but optimal flow rate characteristics are not clear and results in the literature vary widely.

Aim: The aim of this project is to use micro Particle Imaging Velocimetry (PIV) and thermal imaging to determine the types of two phase flow that maximise the heat transfer rate in microchannels.

Significance and Innovation: Using two immiscible liquid phases in microchannels is a very simple and cheap method of increasing heat transfer rates considerably for a variety of applications. This is a significant area which is highlighted by the fact that there is a large US DARPA research program dedicated to thermal management technologies, as there is the realisation that we need to be able to effectively cool electronics to keep performance increases at the current rate. The research area for this project has not had much attention in the literature. The student on this project will being working with a PhD student doing careful micro Particle Imaging Velocimetry and thermal imaging to determine the flow and thermal fields for a variety of two phase flows conditions in microchannels. The results will be new and easily publishable in top scientific journals and provide thermal designers with guidelines for designing heat transfer devices.

It is expected the student will have an interest in thermal fluids or microtechnology and have studied some fluid mechanics and heat transfer.

Supervisor: Prof. Gary Rosengarten

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