RESEARCH PROGRAM:

The current research and development efforts in Robotics/Mechatronics focuses on the establishment of theoretical modelling and formulation based on the practical knowledge of processes, development and integration of mechanical/electronic/software subsea engineering systems together with expert planning and intelligent control of such systems.

The strategic objective of the projects is to develop a new and rewarding research initiative which will enhance and expand existing research programs at Monash University. The economical potential in this area of research and engineering activities is large - one only has to note that one day spent on subsea intervention to repair or service the equipment may costs the field operator many hundreds of thousands of dollars. Thus better design, materials, maintenance techniques, new technologies (composite materials, control systems, robotics) and better understanding of subsea technology will no doubt result in economic benefits and hopefully in the strengthening of Australia's industrial competitiveness.

SERG has close cooperation with Fluidteknikk, Norwegian University of Science and Technology and Department vof Control and Design of Denmark Technical University in areas of condition monitoring, control of subsea systems and autonomous systems. One of the pojects is the development of offshore on-line and off-line condition monitoring based on Avtech system.

RESEARCH FACILITIES:

The research group has direct access to a number of laboratories, thus eliminating the need for initial funding in this area. These laboratories are:

· Fluid Mechanics Laboratory

· Dynamics Laboratory

· Fluid Power and Control Laboratory

· Machine Condition Monitoring Laboratory.

RESEARCH STAFF ACTIVITIES:

Principal members of the Subsea Engineering Research Group are:

A/Professor Jacek S. Stecki e-mail: stecki@eng.monash.edu.au Control systems, Subsea completions, Simulation of fluid power and mechanical systems

A/Prof. B.T. Kuhnell e-mail: btk@bruce.eng.monash.edu.au Simulation, System Integrity Monitoring

Prof. Finn Conrad, Denmark Technical University e-mail: fc@iks.dtu.dk (Associate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering), Fluid power systems, Robotics

Assoc. Prof. Mads Grahl-Madsen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology e-mail:  Mads.Grahl-Madsen@termo.unit.no (Associate of the Department of Mechanical Engineering), Fluid ower, offshore systems