Next Gen Post Graduate Research
We believe in the need to create and support the next generation
of leaders in current and emerging fields of:
AgriTech
Internet of Things
HortTech
Data & Analytics
Robotics & Automation
Digital Manufacturing & 3D Printing
Take a look at some of the post-graduate student projects currently running within MAFDL
Determining factors that influence susceptibility to skin scuffing of kiwifruit – MSc research
Sale of fruit relies heavily on the physical appearance. Fruit of all types suffer from physical injuries resulting in blemishes and deformities that reduce product quality. Skin scuffing is a visible symptom of physical damage which appears as discoloured brown spots on the fruit skin. Incidence of skin scuffing has been observed in kiwifruit, although incidence and prevalence seems to be highly random. In this work, fruit are being deliberating exposed to a consistent scuffing process in order to identify fruit attributes that indicate susceptibility to expressing scuffing injuries. The ultimate goal of this research is to identify physiological reasons for some batches of fruit to be more susceptibility to develop injury than others. With this knowledge work can begin to find means to mitigate fruit losses caused by scuffing, by reducing both causes and susceptibility to scuffing.
Fruit quality and LCA assessment model for making packaging choices for fruit supply chains – PhD research
Reducing or eliminating plastics use throughout the supply chain is a desire of many producers, retailers and consumers. For fresh produce, plastic packaging often provides a critical moisture barrier that prevents product loss. In order to reduce plastic use and not increase fruit losses, packaging systems will need to be reimagined. In this project a model framework will be created to estimate fruit loss as affected by packaging performance parameters. These results will then be used as inputs into a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) model to quantify the resulting environmental impacts of the packaging choice. The framework can be used as a basis for continual development of sustainable packaging and supply chains.
Free form artificial muscle fibre fabrication utilizing electroactive polymer and biopolymer composites – PhD Research
Since the advent of Additive Manufacturing and its diverse field of applications, there are many researchers concerned with the development and fabrication of artificial muscles using 3D printing techniques. While artificial muscles refer to constructs fabricated using a variety of different approaches, 3D printed electroactive actuators are a growing field of interest, especially due to the advancement and sophistication of materials science. Within this context, there exists a desire for the development of individual fibres, akin to those occurring in natural muscle. This project aims to develop a processing methodology through which artificial muscle electroactive actuators are be developed using 3D printing technology. This contributes towards the future development of smart devices / sensors, smart textiles, biomimetic robotics and many other applications.
A refrigerated container scale model – PhD research
Refrigerated containers provide a temperature controlled environment that facilitates global trade of perishable items. Maintaining product temperature throughout the supply chain is critical to preserve product quality. To achieve an effective temperature maintenance inside refrigerated containers, distribution of cooled air around the product as packaged, stacked and arranged within the container is required. In this work, a reduced scale physical model of a refrigerated container is to be built as a resource to study the impacts of design, operation and use of the container on temperature maintenance and consistency within the product stow. The built scale model will allow future detailed study of design or operation decisions on resulting temperature maintenance, which is not achievable in industrial supply chain chains.