Tell us a bit about your background, and how you came to be involved in research in the Australian pipeline industry.
My name is Turbadrakh Chuluunbat.
I am currently a full-time PhD student at the School of Mechanical, Materials and Mechatronic Engineering (MMM), University of Wollongong, under the supervision of Associate Professor Cheng Lu and Professor Kiet Tieu.
I received my Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the School of Mechanical Engineering, Mongolian University of Science and Technology (MUST) in 1999.
I was awarded a grant from the Government of Mongolia for my Master degree at the School of Aerospace, Mechanical and Mechatronic engineering, University of Sydney in 2004-06.
During this period, my research was focused on an investigation of the fracture behaviour of various materials.
In 1999, I started working at the School of Engineering, Mongolian State University of Agriculture and Mandakh Burtgel University, Mongolia, as a lecturer.
I published several textbooks on engineering mechanics and the theory of machinery and mechanisms for undergraduate students with my co-workers.
I started my PhD at the University of Wollongong in 2012 and will be completed in July, 2015.
What does your PhD focus on, and what are the likely positive outcomes or recommendations for any aspect of the Australian pipeline industry?
My research project is to apply the acoustic emission technique in the fracture testing of line pipe steels.
My work currently focuses on determination of the fracture initiation in Charpy impact test and single edge notched tensile test using the acoustic emission technique.
My research outcomes will help achieve deeper understanding of fracture behaviour of line pipe steel and, in turn, help develop a new pipeline fracture control model.
What are your areas of expertise which are being developed from this research?
Acoustic emission testing and signal analysis.
Why is this sort of expertise necessary in the Australian pipeline industry?
New high-strength/high-toughness line pipe steels are being used for gas transmission pipelines.
Research is needed to develop a better understanding of the mechanical properties and fracture behaviour of these new grades of steels to prevent fracture initiation and fracture propagation.
What research programs are you currently involved with that are applicable to the Australian pipelines industry?
I am currently involved in an Energy Pipelines CRC Program 3 project RP3-02J (Fracture simulation for gas pipelines – Phase II).
What do you think will be your plan when you complete your research? Are you looking to further develop your broader knowledge in the industry?
After graduation, I will look for an opportunity to continue my pipeline research and apply my research outcomes to the pipeline industry.
What are your interests outside of research and development in the industry?
I like watching sport. My favourite sports are free style wrestling and judo because when I was at high school I used to practice the sport.
I also like to travel to the countryside for holidays.