Project

Project Title: Innovative Hi-Rail Vehicle Development for Puffing Billy Rail Australia

Project Duration: 2005-2006

Collaborators: Puffing Billy Rail Australia and Swinburne University of Technology

Project Overview:

The collaborative venture between Puffing Billy Rail Australia and Swinburne University of Technology in the years 2005-2006 marked a significant milestone in the realm of rail infrastructure maintenance. The core objective of this project was the design and development of a versatile Hi-Rail vehicle tailored specifically for trail line maintenance on the iconic Puffing Billy Rail network. Hi-Rail vehicles, known for their dual-mode functionality, are instrumental in enabling efficient railroad right-of-way maintenance, eliminating the complexities associated with accessing remote worksites.

Background:

Hi-Rail vehicles, also known as road-rail vehicles, are engineered to transition seamlessly from road use to rail tracks. Their primary utility lies in providing access to hard-to-reach rail work areas, reducing the need for cumbersome and time-consuming maneuvers typically associated with standard road vehicles. Importantly, these vehicles are designed to be insulated, ensuring they do not interfere with track circuits during operation. In the context of Puffing Billy Rail Australia, this project aimed to enhance rail maintenance capabilities while preserving the integrity of the historic rail system.

Project Description:

The project encompassed a comprehensive approach, commencing with the 3D scanning of the front and rear sections of a Nissan Patrol, which was chosen as the base vehicle for modification. The innovative concept called for the development of an automated lifting mechanism, employing hydraulic cylinders, and the incorporation of specialized train wheels to enable rail traversal. Autodesk Inventor emerged as the primary 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software used in the development process.

Key Milestones and Achievements:

• 3D Scanning: The project commenced with precise 3D scanning of the Nissan Patrol, meticulously capturing its front and rear sections. This data formed the foundation for subsequent design and modification phases.

• Chassis Redesign: The project team embarked on a challenging endeavor to modify and redesign the vehicle's chassis. This critical step was vital in ensuring the seamless transition from road to rail.

• Hydraulic Cylinder Integration: The heart of the innovation lay in the incorporation of hydraulic cylinders, which allowed for automatic lifting, facilitating the transition from road to rail mode.

• Train Wheel Implementation: Custom-designed train wheels were seamlessly integrated into the vehicle, enabling it to traverse the railway lines with precision and stability.

• Autodesk Inventor Utilization: Throughout the project, Autodesk Inventor served as the principal 3D CAD software, facilitating the creation of detailed designs and prototypes.

Conclusion:

The collaborative effort between Puffing Billy Rail Australia and Swinburne University of Technology in the development of the Hi-Rail vehicle for trail line maintenance represented a groundbreaking achievement. This innovative dual-mode vehicle, seamlessly transitioning between road and rail, not only enhances efficiency in rail maintenance but also upholds the historical and operational integrity of the Puffing Billy Rail network. The project's successful utilization of cutting-edge technology, including 3D scanning and Autodesk Inventor, underscores its significance in the evolution of rail maintenance solutions.

Project Title: Digital Restoration of Puffing Billy Rail Heritage

Project Description:

In 2006, a collaborative effort was undertaken between Puffing Billy Railway and Swinburne University of Technology, under the diligent supervision of Mr. Ian Black, to digitize and preserve the historical blueprints and engineering details of the iconic 2-6-2T NA class locomotives 3A (unrestored), 6A, 7A, 8A, 12A, 14A, and the G class Garratt locomotive G42. These locomotives, designed in the early 1900s, have long been emblematic of Australia's rich railway heritage.

The project's primary objective was to create comprehensive 2D and 3D Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models of each locomotive and its components, using Autodesk Inventor software. The blueprints of these locomotives were originally documented on paper, making their preservation and accessibility imperative for future maintenance and fabrication.

Project Scope:

• Blueprint Digitization: The first phase of the project involved meticulously scanning and digitizing the original blueprints. These invaluable documents were carefully preserved, and high-resolution scans were created to serve as a foundation for the digital restoration.

• CAD Modeling: The project team, comprised of dedicated engineers and designers, systematically translated the 2D blueprints into 3D CAD models. Each locomotive and its parts were recreated with precision, ensuring that the digital models faithfully represented the historical designs.

• Component Documentation: Detailed documentation was created for every part of the locomotives, with a focus on materials, dimensions, tolerances, and any special features. This documentation was critical for future maintenance and fabrication efforts.

• Autodesk Inventor: Autodesk Inventor, a powerful 3D modeling and design software, was used extensively throughout the project to create accurate and robust digital replicas of the locomotives and their components.

• Project Supervision: Under the watchful eye of Mr. Ian Black, the project was carried out with the highest standards of professionalism and precision. Mr. Black's expertise and guidance ensured that the project was executed with the utmost attention to detail.

Significance:

The digital restoration of these locomotives and their components holds immense historical and practical significance. By creating a repository of 2D and 3D CAD models, Puffing Billy Railway can ensure the preservation of its heritage assets, enabling easier maintenance, repair, and even potential fabrication of critical components in the future.

Conclusion:

The collaborative effort between Puffing Billy Railway and Swinburne University of Technology, under the supervision of Mr. Ian Black, represents a remarkable milestone in the preservation of Australia's railway heritage. The successful digitization of the 2-6-2T NA class locomotives and G class Garratt locomotive G42 is not only a testament to the dedication of the project team but also a valuable resource for the continued maintenance and potential restoration of these iconic locomotives. This project stands as a testament to the synergy of historical preservation, cutting-edge technology, and expert guidance in the realm of rail heritage.

Thesis Title: Quantitative Analysis of 3D Printing of PPE for COVID-19

Project Description:

In the year 2020, against the backdrop of the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, a research project was conducted at Deakin University, under the vigilant guidance of Dr. James Novac. The primary objective of this research was to perform a comprehensive quantitative analysis of 3D printing of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in response to the global health crisis.

Research Focus:

The study focused on the analysis of PPE items crucial in safeguarding healthcare professionals and the general public. Specifically, PPE data was gathered from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) website, which has been instrumental in guiding responses to infectious diseases.

Methodology:

A meticulous selection process was implemented to choose a range of PPE items from NIAID, including face shields, mask components, and ventilator parts. The research delved into several key quantitative parameters:

• Number of Parts: The investigation quantified the complexity of each PPE item by determining the number of components required for 3D printing.

• Material Usage: The type and quantity of materials used for each PPE item were recorded, shedding light on the environmental and resource implications of 3D printing.

• 3D Printing Time: Precise measurements were taken to ascertain the time required for the 3D printing of each item, considering efficiency and timeliness.

• Power Consumption: The research scrutinized the power usage associated with 3D printing, contributing to the sustainability discourse.

• Cost Analysis: A comparative cost analysis was conducted, assessing the expenses associated with 3D-printed PPE in contrast to commercially available equivalents.

Significance:

This research assumed paramount significance during the COVID-19 pandemic as it contributed to addressing critical shortages of PPE by harnessing the innovation of 3D printing technology. It provided valuable insights into the feasibility and cost-effectiveness of 3D-printed PPE, while also illuminating the environmental impact and power consumption aspects.

Conclusion:

The quantitative analysis of 3D printing of PPE for COVID-19, supervised by Dr. James Novac at Deakin University, stands as a testament to the academic community's response to pressing global challenges. This research not only offered valuable insights into the practicality and efficiency of 3D printing for producing essential PPE but also underscored the importance of innovation and adaptability in the face of unprecedented health crises. In a world grappling with unforeseen challenges, this project exemplified academia's commitment to leveraging technology for the betterment of society.