Project Supervisor
Additional Supervisor
Prof. Lingxue Kong and Dr Richard Zhu (Xcel Tech)
Institute
Location
Geelong Waurn Ponds Campus
Successful applicants must spend a minimum 3 -month industry placement as part of the program
Research topic
Heavy vehicles have been widely used in mining, agriculture, and construction industries. However, these vehicles have very high carbon emissions, leading to significant environmental and social concerns. To address the problem of high carbon emissions from heavy vehicles, particularly in mining industry, the industry partner XCEL TECH has enabled heavy vehicles to use clean energy/power by electric modification. However, the battery safety of the electric heavy vehicle is a potential concern. This PhD project will develop new materials for impact and fire resistance to improve battery safety. The expected outcome from this project is that the battery cluster has enhanced impact and fire resistance, and thus better battery safety. This project will bring considerable benefit by making the electric heavy vehicles much safer, more reliable and energy-efficient.This PhD project is in collaboration with Xcel Tech. The project supports the research towards clean energy and battery storage technology.
Successful applicants must spend 3 months as part of an industry internship as part of this program.
Project aim
This project aims to develop a composite structure comprising glass fiber reinforced materials with a polyphthalamide matrix. This structure offers exceptional impact resistance, high electrical insulation post-flame exposure, and effective mitigation of thermal runaway in batteries. The design ensures the integrity of the system, crucial for applications in battery storage where accidental impacts or external forces may pose risks.
Important dates
Applications will remain open until a candidate has been appointed
Benefits
This scholarship is available over 3 years.
- Stipend of $35,550 per annum tax exempt (2025 rate)
- Top-up stipend of $10,000 per annum tax exempt
- Relocation allowance of $500-1500 (for single to family) for students moving from interstate
- International students only: Tuition fees offset
for the duration of 4 years. Single Overseas Student Health Cover policy for the duration of the student visa.
Eligibility criteria
To be eligible you must:
- be a domestic or international candidate. Domestic includes candidates with Australian Citizenship, Australian Permanent Residency or New Zealand Citizenship.
- meet Deakin's PhD entry requirements
- be enrolling full time and hold an honours degree (first class) or an equivalent standard master's degree with a substantial research component.
Please refer to the research degree entry pathways page for further information.
How to apply
Please email a CV, evidence of qualifications and a statement of purpose to Dr Shuaifei Zhao. The CV should highlight your skills, education, publications and relevant work experience. If you are successful you will then be invited to submit a formal application.
Contact us
For more information about this scholarship, please contact Dr Shuaifei Zhao or Dr Richard Zhu
Dr Shuaifei Zhao
Email Dr Shuaifei Zhao
+61 3 5227 3779
Dr Richard Zhu
Email Dr Richard Zhu