Research Program 4

Design, Integration

Through this Program, we are focussing on enhanced design processes for digital manufacturing and increased requirements for certification-ready designs with demonstration and field installation of composite structures for technology validation.


Our specific research projects, targeted outputs and proposed impact are as follows.


Design for automated manufacture:


Development of design methodologies for emergent intelligent manufacturing and automation approaches

  • Overview

    Engineering tools capturing intelligent manufacturing advances and enhanced manufacturing data availability across multiple end-use applications.

  • Targeted outputs

    Development of design tools for automation enabling the manufacture of large-scale and small-scale structure incorporating advances of intelligent manufacturing.

  • Projected impact

    A reduction in inspection, testing and rework costs with enhanced quality control in the manufacturing industry, and a reduction in replacement cost for infrastructure with an extended lifespan.

Certification ready design:


Development of standardised methods and data for accelerating certification processes and approvals

  • Overview

    The development of sector-based design guidelines providing standardised approaches and tools to accelerate the certification of composite structures.

  • Targeted outputs

    Implementing certification-ready design approaches into regulated composites manufacturing sectors and civil infrastructure applications with high risks or regulatory requirements.

  • Projected impact

    A reduction in inspection/testing and compliance costs in the manufacturing and infrastructure industry, relevant to certified and application-critical structures.

Digital value chain integration:


Establish best practices for digital value chains, measure benefits and develop disruptive digital business models

  • Overview

    The development of best-practice guidelines for digital value chains and digital business model innovation across manufacturing, simulation and design.

  • Targeted outputs

    Implementation by manufacturers and suppliers in the digital value chain for enhanced efficiency and improved leverage on automation investment.

  • Projected impact

    An enhanced adoption of developed tools relevant to digital strategies in other Program outputs in automation, hybrid manufacturing, sensor integration and digital manufacturing.

Technology demonstration:


Validation of technology and know-how implementation in manufactured articles

  • Overview

    Distinct technology demonstration articles enabling next commercialisation steps and investment justification for a future high-value Australian industry.

  • Targeted outputs

    Implementation of technology demonstrations by the manufacturing industry to validate design and production approaches and de-risk production investment.

  • Projected impact

    The promotion of new and novel composite structures and components across multiple manufacturing sectors.

Full scale and field testing:


In-situ installation and monitoring of composites for validated application in infrastructure and repair, including sensor instrumented systems

  • Overview

    Implementation of design, fabrication and capturing of real-world performance in infrastructure repair and large installations.

  • Targeted outputs

    Full-scale implementation and field testing by the civil infrastructure maintenance and construction industry and their supply chain.

  • Projected impact

    Promoting the use of composites as structural elements and repairs across heavy infrastructure construction and the infrastructure maintenance industry.