Supervisors: Dr Justin Dirrenberger (CNAM) and Associate Prof. Andrey Molotnikov
Project 1: Hybrid Architectured lattice materials
This project will develop new classes of architectured hybrid lattice structures exploring a combination of compliant polymeric phase infiltrated inside stiff lattices. We will develop numerical tools to tune the properties of hybrid lattices through local variation of elemental units (nodes, struts, junctions). The work will use advances in Machine Learning to speed up the calculations as well as to effectively reduce the design space. The numerical results will be validated using state-of-the art metal and polymer 3D printing available at RMIT University.
Project 2: Design of additively manufactured copper alloy cellular materials for thermo-structural aerospace propulsion applications
This project will focus on the modelling, design, & additive manufacture of copper cellular materials suitable for structural & thermal applications in regeneratively-cooled rocket engines & aerospace heat exchangers. In will include experimentally quantifying L-PBF manufacturability of cellular material from GRCop-42 copper alloy, & testing of their thermo-structural properties at elevated temperatures. The results will guide the design & manufacture of future aerospace propulsion components.
Project 3: Temperature-Responsive Multipolymer Interlocking Materials
This project will develop new classes of architectured hybrid materials with improved mechanical and physical properties, notably impact strength and acoustic damping. They are based on the design and production of complex, topologically-interlocking shapes and multi-material structures using recent advances in 3D polymer printing. These ensembles are also designed to be held together by shape memory alloys and polymers, which can be stimulated to change their properties – and therefore those of the ensemble – by the application of heat. These materials target applications in protective wear, as well as noise and vibration abatement.