June 23, 2023

ARC funds UOW research with aerospace and power generation applications

New alloy manufacture techniques will involve 3D printing metals

A team of researchers from the University of Wollongong (UOW) has received funding in the latest round of Australian Research Council (ARC) Linkage Projects scheme to further their exploration of state-of-the-art alloy modelling and manufacture.

The funding program is designed to support collaborative research that is fundamental to transforming industries, building communities and strengthening the Australian economy.

In collaboration with Gravitas Technologies, the team led by Dr David Wexler, Senior Fellow with UOW’s School of Mechanical, Materials, Mechatronic and Biomedical Engineering, will employ state-of-the-art alloy modelling and a new additive manufacturing approach to fabricate advanced alloy components with superior high temperature and chemical properties.

This will lead to the manufacture of stronger and more damage-resistant, high temperature parts for high-speed aerospace vehicles, and to more stable corrosion-resistant alloys required for containing the highly-reactive molten salts used to both store and transfer energy in emerging solar-thermal power systems.

Dr Wexler said the research will bolster Australian industries, including aerospace, defence and green energy sectors.

“We will develop and improve a 3D metal printing method using a robot-controlled welder to directly produce components, layer by layer, from molten alloy wires or from a spray of molten metal droplets. Advanced post-processing operations will further enhance product properties.

“This approach has advantages in cost, product quality and production efficiency compared to current 3D metal printing technologies. 

“Our Australian industry partner, Gravitas Technologies, is an expert in the fields of materials design and engineering.

“This collaboration allows us an opportunity to enhance our, currently lacking, sovereign capabilities in advanced alloy component manufacture in this strategically important field, delivering economic, commercial and environmental benefits for Australia’s future,” Dr Wexler said.

UOW Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Research and Sustainable Futures) Professor David Currow said the ARC Linkage grant will ensure that research can deliver important innovations across sectors.

“The ARC funding supports industry collaboration to enable UOW researchers to keep reaching for the next world-changing technological advancements with practical applications.

“It is only through these vital relationships that science can make giant leaps needed to move the world into a green energy age.”

UOW is committed to addressing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which provide a shared blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for everyone. This research addresses Sustainable Development Goal 7 Affordable and Clean Energy, which ensures access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all and Sustainable Development Goal 9 Innovation, Industry and Infrastructure which seeks to build resilient infrastructure, promote inclusive and sustainable industrialisation and foster innovation.