Our research
The School of Mechanical Engineering’s world-leading, highly influential research is nationally recognised, with an Excellence in Research for Australia ranking of 5—well above world standard.
Our innovations have had numerous real-world impacts—from developing the fuel and combustion system used in the Sydney Olympic Torch, to designing low-drag helmets, wheels, frames and clothing to improve elite cyclists’ performance.
We offer two postgraduate research degrees: Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy.
By studying a research degree with the School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, you can undertake a research project in an area of interest. In either degree you’ll be supported by one of our research supervisors.
Facilities
Our research and teaching facilities are world class, and include: labs, workshops, equipment, the only industrial-scale wind tunnel in South Australia; acoustic reverberation chambers; particle image velocimetry lasers; water tunnels; digital image correlators, and a range of sports engineering facilities.
Our research capabilities
We undertake both 'blue sky' and applied research and have considerable experience in key areas of mechanical engineering. Our researchers provide consulting and commercial testing services to local and international companies and government agencies.
Our school is advancing research across the following areas:
Acoustics vibration and control
Our Acoustics Vibration and Control research group is focused on the management of sound and vibrations, including through automated control systems.
Mechanics of materials and advanced manufacturing
Researchers from our Mechanics of Materials and Advanced Manufacturing group are working to improve understanding of structural damage accumulation and fracture failure phenomena, and investigate cutting-edge engineering materials’ mechanical behaviour.
Robotics and automation
Research in robotics and automation involves developing and applying innovative software and technology to drive new-generation autonomous machines, and automate industrial and scientific processes.
Sports engineering and biomechanics
Sports engineering and biomechanics relates to the design and development of sports equipment, along with the study of forces and their effect on living things.
Thermofluids
A key field in science and engineering, thermofluids focuses on heat transfer, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics and combustion.