Propulsion and Energy Systems
Modern military platforms need to operate in a variety of conditions and with new more eco-friendly fuels. Soldiers also must access lighter weight and more efficient energy sources to power the myriad of sensors and computers they must carry. Submarines and next generation jet fighters have greater demands on their propulsion systems. The drive train of a submarine for instance also determines the design of the submarine. This has implications for Australia’s future submarines. This theme is meeting Australia’s defence energy challenges including:
- Energy storage
- Power generation
- Power conversion
- Future fuels
- System integration of power and energy in a defence environment
- Improved platform mobility through improved hydrodynamics/aero
Theme Leaders:
Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Melbourne
Associate Professor Michael Brear is a member of the Fluid and Thermal Sciences research group in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Melbourne, Australia. His research and teaching are in thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and applied control.
As Director of his Department's Thermodynamics Laboratory, A. Prof. Brear is interested in improving combustion system efficiency whilst reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants. This involves both fundamental and applied research of combustion systems, and includes high powered laser diagnostics, computer controlled engine dynamometers, emissions measurement equipment, gas turbine test rigs and research combustors.
Michael's current research involves collaboration with Bosch, CERFACS (France), the Ford Motor Company of Australia, Holden Limited and the University of New South Wales. His previous research and consulting has involved close collaboration with Alstom, CALTECH, CSIRO, the NASA Glenn Research Laboratories, Industria de Turbopropulsores (ITP), the Northrop Grumman Corporation and Rolls-Royce, plc.
Michael is also running the University's contribution to the 'Advanced Centre for Automotive Research and Testing (ACART, www.acart.com.au)', which is a collaborative research centre between the University and the Ford Motor Company of Australia. He also consults to a range of private and public sector organisations.
Dr Michael Newman
Head Propulsion & Energy Systems, MPD, DSTO
Dr Newman completed his Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) and Doctor of Philosophy from Monash University, Victoria, Australia, in 1997, 1999 and 2003, respectively. His research interests are primarily focused on medium voltage, high power, conversion technologies for a variety of applications including electric motor drives and electrical grid connected systems. In parallel with his undergraduate and graduate studies, Dr Newman's professional experience included; Technical Director of PowerCad Software P/L, building services consulting engineering work for Adrian Newman & Assoc. P/L, and as an applications engineer for Creative Power Technologies P/L.
In early 2004 U.S. defence contractor General Atomics (GA) relocated Dr. Newman and his family to San Diego, California, USA to work on a variety of military and commercial projects related to his research interests. Michael was employed by GA for 6+ years working on the design, manufacture, and qualification testing of power conversion systems for the US Navy in the 10's to 100's of Megawatts. As an engineering manager and senior engineer Michael, and the team he led, focused on projects such as the Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS) and Advanced Arresting Gear (AAG) programs for the US Aircraft Carrier fleet, as well as the Hybrid Electric Drive program for the US Navy DDG-51 class of ships.
The Maritime Platforms Division of DSTO engaged Dr. Newman as Head Propulsion & Energy Systems and relocated him and his family back to Australia in May 2010. During his time so far with DSTO he has focused on strengthening and continuing to grow the power and energy capabilities within defence. The group presently has a strong focus on propulsion and energy for submarine platforms, but is also supporting surface platforms and land military applications.
With permission from DSTO, U.S. Dept of State, and U.S. NAVAIR, Dr. Newman also continues his support to the General Atomics on the EMALS and AAG programs as these programs come closer to being deployed into the U.S. fleet on the CVN-78 USS Ford aircraft carrier. Both Dr Newman's academic and industrial research has been well published in a range of journals and conference proceeds.