Ideas for PhD topics 2012 Research Expo

1. Dr Derek Rogers Ideas for PhD topics2012 Research Expo

2. PhD Ideas • Improved ship-board man overboard search and track systems • The EMI impact of personal electronic devices on aeroplane systems • A collection of other areas of interest

3. Ideas for PhD Topics Improved ship-board man overboard search and track systems

4. Background • One of the sensors on many naval vessels is an Infra-Red Search and Track (IRST) system • IRST systems are often used for missile detection but can also be used for man overboard detection and tracking. • When placed on a ship a sensor has to contend with roll/pitch/yaw of the ship, various sea states and often a very small target (the person overboard) to try and detect and track.

5. Problem • The intent of the PhD would be to look at ways of improving IRST systems in the context of man overboard detection and tracking • Taking into account the mounting on a ship and the maritime environment • ‘Improving’ means increased probability of detection and tracking under adverse conditions: • Sea state, atmospheric conditions, solar conditions

6. Research Direction • The research can explore a number of directions but should explore and consider the performance of detection and tracking algorithms under different situations and look to improve them: • Perhaps by taking into account input from other sensors to provide an increased probability of detection and tracking stability • Perhaps by taking into account image recognition

7. Skills and Behaviours • Anyone interested should first have an interest in solving the problem, then a strength in mathematical modelling and simulation with a very practical focus. • The research may involve aspects of radar theory, electro-optics and control theory. • The research will require understanding maritime systems and the maritime environment.

8. Ideas for PhD Topics The EMI Impact of Personal Electronic Devices on Aeroplane Systems

9. Background • Most people are familiar with the phrase “Please turn off all electronic equipment because it may interfere with aircraft navigation systems” • Firstly, that is the safest thing to do • But there is increasing prevalence of personal communications devices • Most people turn them off, • Some people forget or don’t know how; and • Some people wilfully keep them on.

10. Background • One of the other reasons for turning phones off related to the effect on networks of a high altitude (high power) mobile. • Modern devices are much lower power, higher frequencies, use more modern modulation techniques. • There has been some research into EMI/EMC in aeroplanes but not much

11. Problem • The intent of the PhD would be • To model to a reasonable fidelity EMC from personal devices in aeroplanes under a variety of scenarios • Identify the effects of EMC on different aeroplane systems • Propose and analyse ways of allowing the two systems to safely co-exist

12. Research Direction • The research can explore a number of directions but should explore: • Different ways to model the problem and the strengths and limitations of the different models • Consider the fidelity of the devices modelled, the susceptibility of aircraft systems • People and other insulators / reflectors • Involves understanding EMI/EMC, communications systems, mathematical modelling

13. Skills and Behaviours • Anyone interested should first have an interest in solving the problem, then a strength in mathematical modelling and simulation with a very practical focus. • The research may involve aspects of EMI/EMC, communications systems, and physiology. • The research will require understanding aerospace and communications systems.

14. Ideas for PhD Topics Other areas of interest

15. Other areas • The following ideas require further development into research topics • Flexible Solar Generation and Storage Systems • Soft Robots

16. Flexible Solar Generation and Storage Systems • New technologies allow the creation of ‘flexible’ batteries; [Soon to be published in ‘Nature’] • Similarly another new technology is a paint that has solar generation properties. • The research would investigate and analyse these technologies • Why does it matter? • Imagine the ability to ‘paint’ your car or your roof to make it into a solar generation system and imagine a battery that could be moulded to the roof storing the energy for night time use.

17. Soft Robots • Robots are hard metallic things, right? • Not for long, new robotic systems are to able to adapt their shapes to climb under or over things, the use air to inflate, deflate and change shape. • This leads to a whole series of research topics on the integration of different sensors and control of such systems. • Why does it matter? • Soft robots will find more acceptance in the consumer (home) market.

18. About Dr Derek Rogers • Adjunct of the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering • Previously co-supervised one student in the area of Image Watermarking – they successfully completed their PhD • Also an Adjunct Associate Professor at the University of South Australia • Primary supervisor for one student in the area of Software Acquisition – they successfully completed their PhD in 2012.

19. Biography • Currently the Deputy Systems Engineering Manager – Amphibious Assault Ships (LHD) with Saab Systems • Prior to this worked with BAE Systems for 5 years, Motorola for 5 years, CTIN for 3 years • Has over 30 publications on a wide range of engineering topics • Sits on the Federal Government’s Advisory Council on Intellectual Property (ACIP) • Has won numerous academic and corporate best practice awards • Has travelled extensively around the world