{"links":{"self":"http://dataportal.arc.gov.au/NCGP/API/grants/DE260101769"},"data":{"type":"grant-details","id":"DE260101769","attributes":{"code":"DE260101769","administering-organisation":"RMIT University","announcement-administering-organisation":"RMIT University","scheme-name":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","grant-status":"Active","funding-commencement-year":2026,"years-funded":3,"project-start-date":"2026-01-01","anticipated-end-date":"2028-12-31","grant-summary":"Ultra-High Strength and Damage-Tolerant Steels via Laser Powder Bed Fusion . This project aims to design and investigate a new class of alloy steels that address the long-standing challenge of simultaneously achieving ultra-high strength and high damage tolerance by integrating the fundamental principles of laser additive manufacturing (LAM) and physical metallurgy. The project expects to generate new knowledge in alloy design, LAM and composition-microstructure-property relationships. Expected outcomes include uncovering the unique mechanisms that enable the simultaneous achievement of ultrahigh strength and high damage tolerance in alloy steels and a new theoretical framework for their design. This should significantly advance alloy science and engineering, while also fostering growth in Australian manufacturing. ","funding-current":529980.00,"funding-at-announcement":525792,"investigators-current":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Wengang","familyName":"Zhai","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-8769-1152 "}],"investigators-at-announcement":[{"title":"Dr","firstName":"Wengang","familyName":"Zhai","roleName":"Discovery Early Career Researcher Award","roleCode":"DECRA","isFellowship":true,"orcidIdentifier":"0000-0002-8769-1152 "}],"organisations-current":[{"organisationName":"RMIT University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"organisations-at-announcement":[{"organisationName":"RMIT University","roleName":"Administering Organisation","state":"VIC"}],"field-of-research":[{"isPrimary":false,"code":"400101","name":"Aerospace Materials","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":true,"code":"4014","name":"Manufacturing Engineering","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401401","name":"Additive Manufacturing","type":"FOR20"},{"isPrimary":false,"code":"401607","name":"Metals and Alloy Materials","type":"FOR20"}],"socio-economic-objective":[{"code":"240699","name":"Environmentally Sustainable Manufacturing Activities Not Elsewhere Classified","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"241201","name":"3d Printers and Printing","type":"SEO20"},{"code":"280110","name":"Expanding Knowledge In Engineering","type":"SEO20"}],"international-collaboration":[],"lief-register":[],"achievement-summary":null,"national-interest-test-statement":"This project aims to develop innovative alloy steels possessing ultra-high strength and high damage tolerance using 3D printing, addressing Australia's growing demand for advanced materials in aerospace, defence, and mining industries. Traditional high-strength steels can withstand substantial loads but often exhibit limited damage tolerance, making them vulnerable to sudden failure under harsh conditions. By leveraging tailored alloy designs for 3D printing and advanced heat treatment processes, this research seeks to create steels with ultrahigh strength and high damage tolerance, ensuring greater reliability for critical applications.\n\nThe benefits are far-reaching, spanning multiple sectors. By enabling the production of stronger, longer-lasting components, it will boost Australian industries, reduce maintenance costs, and promote sustainable development. Additionally, the development of safer materials will enhance national infrastructure and defence capabilities, ultimately improving public safety and security.\n\nTo maximise the practical impact of this research, we will foster strong collaborations with industry partners, disseminating our findings through targeted workshops, technical reports, and government briefings. Additionally, we will engage in public outreach initiatives to raise awareness about the benefits of advanced materials for Australia's future, promoting a broader understanding of their potential to drive innovation and economic growth."}}}