Research Themes
AutoCRC has four broad research themes and a program dedicated to training and education, with up to 25 projects commencing in the first year of operation. Each research theme has its own distinct goals and technology milestones, and these will constitute technology building blocks designed to enable substantial change within the Australian automotive sector. The research themes are:
Materials and Sustainable Manufacturing
Fast and flexible manufacturing processes to support Australia's low volume manufacturing will be a key in providing a competitive advantage, and this program is an investigation of technologies aimed at reducing manufacturing lead times and emissions. In addition this theme will focus on the development of non-traditional materials and associated processes. Light metals such as magnesium and aluminium (in conjunction with non-metallic composites) will support the aim to improve safety and vehicle performance whilst reducing weight and environmental impact. High performance coatings will also be employed to reduce friction, prolong engine life and reduce emissions.
Outcomes
- Strategies for flexible manufacturing for reduced lead times.
- New materials and application data sheets
Go to Research Projects – Materials and Sustainable Manufacturing
Powertrains, Fuels and Emissions
It is anticipated that conventional internal combustion engines will power the great majority of vehicles on Australian roads in the short to medium term. By focusing research on improving the efficiency and emissions of these vehicles, AutoCRC will improve overall air quality and reduce the national consumption of fossil fuels. In addition there will be research into developing powertrains used in hybrid or electric vehicles or based on alternative fuels.
Outcomes
- Improved conventional powertrain with reduced fuel consumption.
Go to Research Projects – Powertrains, Fuels and Emissions
Safety and Intelligent Vehicle Systems
This theme will focus its efforts on improving vehicle safety and injury prevention through pedestrian impact protection, far-side impact protection, human machine interface optimisation and child safety. In addition AutoCRC will investigate vehicle systems for improved performance and safety.
Outcomes
- Improved designs based on an improved understanding of biomechanics
- New improved prototype seat
- In-vehicle systems to minimise driver distraction and maximise usability
- New crash avoidance technology
Go to Research Projects – Safety and Intelligent Vehicle Systems
Virtual Design & Manufacturing
Australian vehicle manufacturing has relied on traditional processes to design, develop, validate and manufacture products. This has included the use of physical prototypes, resulting in typical development times of up to five years from concept to market. To capture niche opportunities, the industry must reduce this lead time to approximately one year. This paradigm shift can only be achieved using computer supported virtual design and engineering principles with modelling of products and processes.
Outcomes
- Virtual design and engineering environment
- Virtual manufacturing environment
- Knowledge management system
- Virtual training environment for general assembly operators