Opportunities currently exist for postgraduate scholarships working on various aspects of research associated with the Cooperative Research Centre for Welded Structures (CRC-WS). The two projects currently involved are:

Materials Engineering

This project involves the investigation of improved techniques for zinc coated steel welding. The work aims to improve process stability, and reduce fume and coating damage when welding these materials. Process control and consumable modification approaches will be explored. The project would suit a materials or mechanical engineering student who would like to develop an improved understanding of gas metal arc welding and gain some experience in the application of the process to coated materials. The research aims to develop innovative solutions to current welding problems and will be both stimulating and challenging. The work which will be carried out within the Faculty of Engineering at UOW is sponsored by the CRC-WS and the steel industry. For further details contact Professor John Norrish on 02 4221 3358 (email: john_norrish@uow.edu.au) or David Nolan on 02 4221 5549 (email: dnolan@uow.edu.au).

Electrical Engineering

A postgraduate student is required to study the effects of magnetic fields on welding arcs. The project forms part of a larger program on automated welding and will involve:

The project will involve the development of a knowledge of arc physics and process operating modes. Although previous work has been reported in this area it is hoped that the project will be more comprehensive and lead to real industrial solutions. The work which will be carried out within the Faculty of Engineering and the Department of Electrical Engineering at UoW is sponsored by the CRC-WS and the pipeline industry. For further details contact Professor John Norrish on 02 4221 3358 (email: john_norrish@uow.edu.au) or Dr Paul Di Pietro on 02 4221 4639 (email: paul@uow.edu.au).