Preliminary Fire Performance Modelling for Insulation Systems
Engineering, IT, Mathematics and Statistics
PLEASE NOTE
This internship may be eligible for funding from the Defence Science Institute (DSI) and the Australian Government Women in STEM and Entrepreneurship (WiSE) grant. Australian citizens or permanent residents, and female HDR students in STEM, are encouraged to apply.
ABOUT THE INDUSTRY PARTNER
CBG Systems is an Australian company based in Tasmania specialising in the supply and installation of fire, thermal and acoustic insulation, specialist antenna systems and signature management. For more than 30 years they have been a leading innovator, setting benchmarks in the marine insulation, communications and lightweight passive fire protection industry. Their products are designed to save lives – and save money. CBG Systems are recognised for excellence by merchant marine and military operators worldwide including the US Navy.
WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU?
- Exposure to a real-world fire engineering and advanced manufacturing challenge
- Experience translating thermodynamics theory into an applied industry tool
- Access to proprietary fire test data for validation
- Opportunity to deliver a tangible modelling framework within a defined timeframe
- Industry-facing project experience relevant to defence and manufacturing sectors
RESEARCH TO BE CONDUCTED
The internship will focus on developing a simplified transient heat transfer model to simulate insulation system behaviour under a standardised fire curve (e.g. ISO 834). The student will identify the dominant heat transfer mechanisms (conduction, convection, radiation) and implement a reduced-complexity numerical model using an accessible platform such as Python or MATLAB. Existing furnace test data will be used for preliminary calibration, acknowledging input uncertainty of approximately 10%. Sensitivity analysis will be undertaken to determine which material and geometric variables most significantly influence thermal performance. The emphasis will be on producing a functional proof-of-concept model that improves pre-test understanding rather than a fully validated, production-ready digital twin.
SKILLS WISH LIST
If you’re a postgraduate research student and meet some or all the below we want to hear from you. We strongly encourage women, indigenous and disadvantaged candidates to apply:
- Background in thermodynamics and heat transfer
- Basic numerical modelling capability (finite difference or finite element exposure desirable)
- Programming skills (Python or MATLAB preferred)
- Analytical thinking and ability to simplify complex physical systems
- Interest in applied engineering research
RESEARCH OUTCOMES
- A proof-of-concept computational model simulating insulation performance under a standard fire curve
- Identification of the most influential design and material variables
- Preliminary calibration against available test data
- A short technical report outlining assumptions, limitations, and recommendations for future model development
- Clear roadmap for scaling the model into a longer-term PhD or R&D program
ADDITIONAL DETAILS
The intern will receive $3,300 per month of the internship, usually in the form of scholarship payments.
It is expected that the intern will primarily undertake this research project during regular business hours and maintain contact with their academic mentor throughout the internship either through face-to-face or phone meetings as appropriate.
The intern and their academic mentor will have the opportunity to negotiate the project’s scope, milestones and timeline during the project planning stage.
Please note, applications are reviewed regularly and this internship may be filled prior to the advertised closing date if a suitable applicant is identified. Early submissions are encouraged.
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