Maritime Platform Defence Research Summer Vacation Scholarships

Here are the Maritime Platform projects for Australian Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) Scholarships. DSTO is offering 68 university students $4,050 tax-free each for a 12-week research project in the Summer Vacation Scholarship Program. Applications can be made online and close 19 July 2009, with the projects running from late November 2009 to mid February 2010 accross Australia.

The Projects

MPD 01 Comparative Study of monohull and trimaran hull forms

This project requires the comparison of two different ship hull forms designed to perform the same primary tasks in order to determine the influence of hull form on ship size and propulsion.

A monohull design would be used as the base ship and the objective would be to initially develop a high level concept trimaran design able to carry out the same primary roles as the base ship.

An estimate of the speed-resistance characteristics and corresponding propulsion demands for both ships would then be conducted to identify other potential implications such as effect on maximum range and/or speed.

This task requires the ability to carry out various naval architectural type activities such as: weight and space calculations, development of concept arrangements and speed - resistance calculations

Naval Architecture Familiarity with commercial and academic naval architectural software codes is essential

The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate initiative and good time management skills. Only naval architecture students about to enter their final year or currently undertaking final year bachelor degree studies will be considered

Maritime Platform Division DSTO Fishermans Bend

MPD 02 Submarine Surfaced Stability

To investigate the feasibility of using gyro stabilisers to increase roll damping and enhance the stability of a surfaced submarine.

1. Analyse and model the effect of gyro stabilizers on the roll motion of a surfaced submarine. 2. Assess the effectiveness of gyro stabilizers on submarine roll. 3. Design a roll damping capability demonstrator using gyrostabilise

Engineering/Science ability to analyse, model and design dynamic systems completed the third year of an engineering/science degree with good knowledge in engineering or applied mathematics

Maritime Platform Division DSTO Fishermans Bend

MPD 03 Advanced battery system investigations

Development of infrastructure for advanced battery system test cell. To assist in the construction and commissioning of the Propulsion and Energy Management group’s high current battery cycling test rig and to conduct limited cyclic and classification tests on advanced batteries for submarine and land vehicle applications. If time allows, begin investigations into battery management system architectures in support of these advanced batteries

Electrical engineering knowledge of Labview Safety conscience with power laboratory experience

Maritime Platform Division DSTO Fishermans Bend

MPD 04 Structural Evaluation of Composite Propeller Hub Connections

DSTO has established a research program on developing technology for composite marine propellers. A key aspect of the technology is the design of an effective and practical connection between each composite blade and a metallic hub. The project will aim to develop an understanding of how loads can be transferred between an orthotropic composite blade and an isotropic, higher stiffness metallic hub. The connection concept will facilitate removal of a blade from the hub which may also induce special considerations in relation to load transfer.

The student will be required to refine one or more concept connection designs and develop and analyse a basic finite element model. A report shall be prepared to provide a preliminary evaluation of concept design's) investigated, indicating recommendations on further research

Mechanical Engineering, Naval Architecture, Materials Engineering, Marine/Ocean Engineering.

Experience with finite element modelling and analysis and familiarity with composite materials is essential. Familiarity with marine propulsion and marine design is desirable but not essential.

Completion of at least 3 years of an undergraduate engineering/science degree. Australian citizen and eligible to obtain restricted security clearance

Maritime Platform Division DSTO Fishermans Bend