Mechanical and Automotive Engineering

Mechanical and automotive engineers shape the world in which we live by addressing technological challenges to provide machinery and energy for a better, safer, healthier and more efficient future.

We are an Australian leader in mechanical and automotive engineering research, with the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA 2018) rating RMIT at "above world standard" for mechanical engineering.

Research focus

We push the limits of the possible in our research areas by employing design thinking, computational simulation, control systems and multi-scale approaches that range from the nanoscale to complex engineering systems.

Our current research is focused on the following areas.

Mechanical engineering

Structural dynamics and computational engineering
Composite, light weight, stronger, and new materials
Optimal design, system design, machines and mechanisms
Finite element analysis (FEA) and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
Multi-scale and multi-purpose robotic systems
Dynamics, vibration, stability, and control of dynamic systems

Sustainable energy engineering

Solar-thermal systems
Hydrogen energy systems
Photovoltaic systems and new generation of solar cells
Sustainable desalination
Energy efficiency

Automotive engineering

Autonomous and self-controlled vehicles
Human Machine Interface (HMI) and ergonomics
Alternative fuels, clean engine, hydrogen power generators
Noise, vibrations and acoustic
Vehicle dynamics and stability
Transport vehicle safety
Application of artificial intelligence in mechanical systems

Sports engineering

Swim suit
Helmet
Ski suit and board
Sports shoes
Ergonomics in sport engineering

Our impact

We work with a vast range of Australian and global organisations to provide practical, efficient, and economical solutions across civil and defence industries. Some of our major industry partners include:

Airbus
Defence Science Institute
Rheinmetall Defence Australia (RDA)
DefendTex
Department of Defence (Australia)
Department of Defence (USA)
Ford Motor Company Australia
General Electric
LEAP Australia
Thales
Australian Motor Industries
Honeywell
Siemens
Toyota Australia
Fujikura (Japan)
ADEKA Corporation (Japan)
Eldor Corporation (Italy)
Jayco Australia

Highlights of our current research include:

Hydrogen power supply solutions for stationary and mobile applications
New methods for bulk hydrogen storage and transport
Semiconductor quantum dot solid solar cells
Metal halide perovskite solar cells
Photocatalytic nanomaterials for water treatment
Solar water splitting
Sustainable water treatment and desalination
Energy efficiency and waste energy recovery
Heat pipe technologies for thermal management solutions
Human-machine interface and interaction
Autonomous farm robotic systems
Alternative fuel and green engine technology
Nonlinear-parametric dynamic systems stability analysis
Attitude dynamics control of satellites
Safety and road traffic rules reviewing
Computer aided biomedical research using CFD modelling and 3D printing
Innovative design of composite fabrication process
Predictive modelling of building ventilation
Vehicle and sensors simulation for the Autonomous Combat Warrior (ACW) program

Research centres and groups

Our expertise and facilities contribute to many research organisations across Australia.

Intelligent Automation Research Group
ARC Training Centre for Lightweight Automotive Structures (ATLAS)
Cooperative Research Centres for Advanced Composite Structures
Defence Materials Technology Centre (DMTC)
DSTO Centre of Expertise in Aerodynamic Loading
iMOVE CRC
LMS Noise Vibration Harshness Centre of Expertise
Sir Lawrence Wackett Centre
Nanomaterials & Solar Photovoltaics Group

Facilities

Renewable energy park
Noise and Vibration Laboratory
Advanced Manufacturing Precinct
Green engines laboratory
Flight simulator laboratory
Industrial wind tunnel
Sustainable hydrogen energy laboratory (SHEL)
Advanced thermo-fluid laboratory
Composites laboratory
Wet chemistry laboratory
PV characterisation laboratory
Laser spectroscopy laboratory
Autonomous Systems laboratory

Who we are

Mechanical and Automotive Engineering staff

Latest news

Shaping whats next and beyond: a look at RMIT innovation at the Grand Prix

10 Mar 2020

An interactive RMIT exhibit will again showcase the university’s world-class technology at the Versor Innovation & Tech Hub at the Formula 1® Rolex Australian Grand Prix 2020.

Opening up the outdoors for Aussie wheelchair users

03 Oct 2019

An RMIT graduate has won the national James Dyson award for his invention of a portable and affordable accessory that allows manual wheelchair users to access any terrain, anywhere, anytime.

More than just pedal power

17 Sep 2019

What started as a simple idea to help special needs kids has become a transformative and collaborative engineering project to bring to market a range of wheelchair e-bikes.

Graduate research grants for smarter cars of the future

18 Apr 2019

Three RMIT research projects have been awarded grants totalling over $780,000 to modernise the Australian automotive industry.

Applying for a postgraduate degree?

Select your research project

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

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Acknowledgement of Country

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