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Defence Science and Technology Group Industry Experience Placement Program Project list – 2016 Projects. Project Code: Division Location of

Placement: Project Title: Project Description Tasks/Duties Required: Relevant Research Area: Other Desirable Skills General Information:

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IEP AD 01 Aerospace Fisherman's Bend, Victoria

Vibration energy harvesting for airframes

The position is located within the Airframe Diagnostic Systems group in the Aerospace Division, at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne. The successful applicant will be expected to be a significant contributor to a programme of research investigating potential diagnostic health monitoring systems for use on Australian Defence Force air vehicles. In particular, the successful applicant will be involved in the development of techniques for parasitic energy harvesting from vibrating aircraft structures. These energy harvesting devices should be capable of harvesting power from airframe accelerations using novel piezoelectric materials, with the goal of powering structural health monitoring devices. The job itself will involve assisting DST Melbourne personnel in the development, manufacture and evaluation of vibration energy harvesting devices. The applicant will be required to carry out a variety of different tasks. Tasks include mechanical and electronic design, code/script development, model development, and experimental validation. The experimental studies will require taking measurements under laboratory conditions and then analysing the data where necessary and reporting on the findings. The applicant can expect to develop various specific skills during the 12 month posting e.g. MatlabTM scripting may be used for COMSOLTM finite element Multiphysics modelling. MatlabTM may also be used for automation of various laboratory tests. SolidworksTM may be used for the development of mechanical design ideas for 3D printing of devices. The applicant may be exposed to C, C++, required for low power embedded microcontrollers, and high power Digital Signal Processing. Other scripting approaches may be implemented for LTspiceTM electronic simulations (PerlTM, VBATM). Additionally, the applicant has the option of developing their technical communication skills by presenting their research findings at an Australian scientific/engineering conference.

(i) Under the direction of DST Melbourne staff, develop mechanical and electronic designs, including software for acceleration based energy harvesting devices to provide power to aerospace structural health monitoring devices, using novel piezoelectric materials. (ii) As required, assist in manufacture of the components developed in part (i) using 3D printing and design. (iii) Laboratory based experimental validation. (iv) Recording and analysis of data from experiments and reporting on the findings.

Aerospace and mechanical engineering, electronics engineering, materials engineering, physics, mathematics and software development.

12 month project. Excellent academic results throughout undergraduate degree.


Flight demonstration of autonomous airframe diagnostic sensor systems

The position is located within the Airframe Diagnostic Systems group in the Aerospace Division, at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne. The successful applicant will be expected to be a significant contributor to a programme of research investigating potential diagnostic health monitoring systems for use on the Australian Defence Force aircraft fleets. In particular, the successful applicant will be involved in developing a laboratory flight demonstration of autonomous airframe diagnostic sensor systems, including vibration energy harvesting approaches and airframe sensors. The flight demonstration involves the development and validation of an Airframe Sensor Testbed based on a tethered DJI S900 hexacopter drone. The job itself will involve assisting DST Melbourne personnel in development and validation of an Airframe Sensor Testbed, and the testing and validation of vibration energy harvesting devices and airframe sensor systems with a focus on ultrasonic and thermal/infra-red based interrogation approaches for cylindrical composite beams. The applicant will be required to carry out a variety of different tasks. Tasks include mechanical and electronic design, code/script development, model development, and experimental validation. The experimental studies will require taking measurements under laboratory conditions and then analysing the data where necessary and reporting on the findings. The applicant can expect to develop

(i) Under the direction of DST Melbourne staff, develop and validate an Airframe Sensor Testbed based on a tethered DJI S900 hexacopter drone, including the development and application of vibration energy harvesting and airframe sensor systems. (ii) As required, assist in manufacture of the components developed in part (i) using 3D printing and design. (iii) Laboratory based experimental validation. (iv) Recording and analysis of data from experiments and reporting on the findings.


12 month project. Excellent academic results throughout undergraduate degree.



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various specific skills during the 12 month posting e.g. MatlabTM scripting may be used for COMSOLTM finite element Multiphysics modelling. MatlabTM may also be used for automation of various laboratory tests. SolidworksTM may be used for the development of mechanical design ideas for 3D printing of devices. The applicant may be exposed to C, C++, required for low power embedded microcontrollers, and high power Digital Signal Processing. Other scripting approaches may be implemented for LTspiceTM electronic simulations (PerlTM, VBATM). Additionally, the applicant has the option of developing their technical communication skills by presenting their research findings at an Australian scientific/engineering conference.


Development of baseline EC135 helicopter flight dynamic model and integration into simulation environment.

This project is in support of project AIR9000 Phase 7. The successful candidate will use FLIGHTLAB to develop an EC135 helicopter flight dynamic model. The model developed will be integrated into a pre-existing Human-in-the-Loop simulation environment. DST Group develops high fidelity helicopter flight dynamic models for the whole range of aircraft available in the ADF fleet. These models are used to support deliverables involving helicopter simulation tasks. The models that are developed are engineering simulation models, rather than training simulation models. The engineering models allow DST Group to re-configure and measure all aspects of the helicopter simulation, such as measuring control system forces or investigating specific failures in the control system. This ability is crucial when DST Group supports a helicopter incident or accident investigation.

- Learn FLIGHTLAB software - Develop flight model using FLIGHTLAB - Modify and develop a PID based control system - Integrate flight model into a pre-existing simulation environment using MATLAB and C++

- Helicopter flight dynamic modelling - Control Systems

Familiarity with the following - Linux - MATLAB - C, C++ programming

12 month project. Successful candidate will be trained on the FLIGHTLAB flight model development environment.


Autonomous Diagnostic Thermal Imaging for High Performance Engineering Structures

The position is located within the Airframe Diagnostic Systems group in the Aerospace Division, at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne. The successful applicant will contribute to the development and testing of a new technology for autonomous diagnostic thermal imaging of high performance airframe structures using miniature infrared microbolometer cores. It represents the next generation of the MiTE system, a breakthrough developed by the Defence Science and Technology Group and successfully applied to all three variants of the Joint Strike Fighter aircraft, the most advanced fifth generation fighter in the world. As part of an ongoing effort to broaden awareness of this powerful full-field diagnostic technique, DSTO has created a freeware version that can be downloaded from its public web site at http://www.dsto.defence.gov.au/opportunity/mite. Interested applicants can find relevant information about the capability at this site.The role itself will involve assisting DST staff in a laboratory evaluation of the next generation of this technology. The successful application will work with miniature microbolometer thermal imaging cores, mems accelerometers, laser displacement sensors, wireless communications and be exposed to a range of concepts in image and signal processing, structural and thermal finite element modelling, and fatigue and structural mechanics. The tasks will include experimental investigation of system performance, designing and developing hardware packaging solutions and using C++, Matlab and

Under the direction of DST Melbourne staff:(i) design, develop and conduct experimental testing of this new stress-imaging technology.(ii) acquire, collate, analyse and interpret experimental data using various techniques.(iii) design and produce 3D laser printed hardware packaging prototypes.(iii) contribute to scientific publications


Excellent academic results throughout undergraduate degree.

12 month project.



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COMSOL based computational tools to develop insights into system performance. The successful applicant will have opportunities to publish and present their work.


Development of Crack Growth Camera Software

This project focuses on measuring crack length of test material under the cyclically varying loads. Using a COTS camera, you will develop and implement real-time image capturing, image processing and analysis technique(s) that allows (i) real-time measurement of crack length; (ii) tracking of crack propagation.

. Knowledgeable in computer machine vision, camera interface (prior knowledge is favourable) . Good understanding of image processing & analysis technique(s) . Ability to implement image processing algorithm(s) using programming languages VB/C++ or Open source vision tool box

. Computer machine vision

. Signal processing

. Electronics and Control theory

. Research, analytical and problem solving skills are essential

12 month project.


Development of Laser interrogation system for characterisation of acoustic waves

The position is located within the Airframe Diagnostic Systems group in the Aerospace Division, at Fishermans Bend, Melbourne. The successful applicant will be an integral member of a small multi-disciplinary team working towards the development of a new optical interrogation system for the characterisation of acoustic waves on Defence platforms. The work builds on an existing international collaboration between the DST group and the U.S. Office of Naval research and will involve the design, construction and testing of a laser based interrogation system designed to detect and characterise acoustic waves via optical fibre based sensing networks integrated into the structure. The job itself will involve exposure to and involvement in all aspects of the project including top level architecture, system design, electronics and software development, installation and testing of the fibre optic sensing network, integration of the optical system into existing acoustic excitation systems and finally testing on a representative airframe substructure. The successful applicant will have the opportunity to publish their work and if appropriate present at an Australian scientific/engineering conference.

(i) Under the direction of DST Melbourne staff, assist in the design, assembly and testing of the laser interrogation system, including software development and integration. (ii) Contribute to Laboratory based experimental validation on a representative test bed. (iii) Record and analyse system performance and report on the findings.

Instrumentation, Photonics, Aerospace and mechanical engineering, Software development, electronics engineering, materials engineering, physics, mathematics.

Excellent academic results throughout undergraduate degree. The position is suited to a highly-motivated person who is an independent thinker and enjoys problem solving and working in a team environment.

12 month project.


Autonomous simulation system health monitoring and assurance

Team training events are increasingly relying upon distributed simulation environments to provide collective training experiences. Distributed simulation systems are highly complex and heterogeneous in nature and have many points of potential failure. Distributed Simulation exercises presently have a high overhead with engineers being required to monitor the health of diverse simulation systems and respond to fix arising issues that threaten exercise outcomes.This project is to investigate, propose and develop a system health monitoring, projection, notification and (where possible) repair solution for distributed simulation systems using intelligent agents.The goal of this work is to reduce the workload (and cost) of delivering training exercises that use synthetic environments.

Requirements capture.Review current state of the art for similar systems and technologies.Develop design concepts.Implement preferred concept demonstrator.Report on findings.

Automation, Autonomy and Multi-Agent Systems. Distributed Simulation Systems.System Health Monitoring and Repair.

Software Engineering and Development. Familiarity with Linux and MS Windows platforms.C++ and Java programming skills.

12 month project. This project will be conducted within the context of the Air Operations Simulation Centre - a facility with expertise and systems for conducting human-in-the-loop simulation-based research in the Air domain.The project may be undertaken with a Baseline security clearance. However, an NV1 clearance should/will also be pursued as it will permit testing of concepts against a wider range of distributed simulation systems in the simulation laboratory.



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IEP AD 09 Aerospace Brisbane, Queensland

Woomera Wind Weighting Capability

Develop and integrate wind weighting software package in support of sounding rocket trials at Woomera Test Range.

1. Develop software package. 2. Develop procedures and user manual. 3. Test and demonstrate conformance using existing data-sets. 4. Demonstration of suitable performance in operational environment.

Supports DST Group's Hypersonic Flight Test Program.

Programming experience in Matlab and C++. Good physics and mathematics knowledge. Good communicator. Highly motivated individual with a strong sense of completion.

12 month project. This an opportunity to play a critical role in an exiting project involving rocket launches and flight testing. Successful applicant will most likely participate in a real life rocket launch campaign in Woomera.


Autonomous Vehicles Operating in Complex Environments

The Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group is conducting research on the use of autonomous aircraft and ground robots in urban terrain, including indoor environments. The research has the goal of developing machine-cognition technologies and them demonstrating in conjunction with new sensing to enable missions for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance; contaminant-source localisation and tracking; and humanitarian assistance and disaster relief in complex, congested, and potentially contested environments. Two students are sought to assist with laboratory demonstrations of advanced sensors (e.g., single-photo diode arrays and night-vision sensors), autonomous search and mapping algorithms, robotic teaming, etc. The students will work directly with DST Group staff to carry out the laboratory components of this project and will work largely independently to carry out its non-laboratory components.

Programming in MATLAB; laboratory experimentation; control-system development and testing; mechanical and electrical design; data analysis; report writing

Mechatronics and robotics; aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering

Teamwork; communications skills; ability to troubleshoot experiments and simulations; ability to work independently; experience in C++ and/or other languages; experience with processing units such as Raspberry PIs or GPUs; experience with autonomous systems (e.g., UAVs)

12 month project. The project will involve close engagement with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. A detailed report will be written by each student to describe the experimental and modelling techniques and results. Co-authorship of at least one conference or journal paper is anticipated.


Efficient, Bio-Inspired Aircraft

The Defence Science and Technology (DST) Group is conducting research on flapping flight as a means of efficiently propelling and controlling small air vehicles. Most mechanisms designed for flapping flight require power input to overcome inertial and aerodynamic forces that is significantly higher than those of comparably sized natural flyers. Many biological species (e.g., bees, flies, and hummingbirds) rely on elastic and/or resonant systems that recover energy during each wing stroke, vastly reducing the power required to sustain flight and commensurately increasing their maximum range and endurance. Hummingbirds, for example, may fly for 12-hour periods during migration, relying only on body fat (up to 50% of body mass) as fuel. Comparably sized mechanical systems exhibit maximum hovering durations of only 10-15 min. The flight-control performance of mechanical hoverers is similarly poor compared with that of natural flyers (e.g., dragonflies, which exhibit remarkable precision and manoeuvrability). The goal of the current project is the design, construction, and testing of one or more vehicle concepts that may serve as the basis for a flapping-wing air-vehicle prototype. A student is sought to evaluate the aerodynamics and performance of vehicle concepts with flapping wings through experimentation and modelling. The project will include quantifying the behaviour of a tandem-wing mechanism, investigating flapping mechanisms that rely on resonance to reduce input, and conducting related studies. The student will work directly with DST Group staff to carry out the laboratory components of this project and will work largely independently to carry out its non-laboratory components.

Electro-mechanical design; laboratory experimentation; control-system development and testing; mechanical and electrical design; data analysis (e.g., programming in MATLAB); report writing

Mechatronics and robotics; aerospace, mechanical, or electrical engineering; physics

Teamwork; communications skills; ability to troubleshoot experiments and simulations; ability to work independently; experience in C++ and/or other languages; experience with processing units such as Raspberry PIs or GPUs

12 month project. The project will involve close engagement with an interdisciplinary team of scientists and engineers. A detailed report will be written by the student to describe the experimental and modelling techniques and results. Co-authorship of at least one conference or journal paper is anticipated.NOTE TO Aerospace Division: This project is not currently within the allocated AP&S Branch budget. Advice is sought on its funding.



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Advanced Aircraft Computational Modelling and Fatigue Assessment

The development of an advanced finite element modelling

capability is fundamental to mitigating risk associated with

aircraft structural integrity management. The project will

involve examining the correlation between strain gauge

measurements on the P-3C Orion transport aircraft to

results obtained from a global finite element model of the

aircraft. Many critical locations are assess based on the

finite element analysis alone. By estimating the

uncertainty bounds in the finite element model the

student will be able to examine the uncertainty bounds on

fatigue life predictions at pre-determined critical

locations. The benefits to the Royal Australian Air Force

are two fold, contribute to improved methods of fatigue

prediction and contributing to improved requirements to

validate global finite element models.

The student will be required to use

finite element analysis to examine

the errors relative to strain gauge

measurements. Once uncertainty

bounds have been established the

student will be required to examine

the effect on fatigue analysis of

critical locations. The student will

be required to conduct necessary

numerical model checks to assure

the validity of the model. In the

process of conducting the project it

is anticipated that the student will

be able to use their findings to

guide future validation activities for

both fatigue and global finite

element modelling.

Structural Mechanics/ Fracture and Fatigue Analysis

Proficiency in Finite Element Analysis Knowledge of NASTRAN/PATRAN/FEMAP is desirable

12 month project.

IEP CEWD 01 Cyber and Electronic Warfare

Edinburgh, South Australia

Autonomous Cyber Defence

Cyber Assurance and Operations Branch is undertaking ongoing research and development in the area of autonomous cyber systems. Working as part of a team, the candidate would be involved in developing and adapting software that performs cyber security missions autonomously. In particular: dynamic, distributed, and red-teaming functions. This will involve utilising and extending tools for distributed computing, cyber sensing and actuation, machine intelligence and control.

The candidate would be required to perform the following tasks: - Limited research into related topics in cyber security and related tools. - Gain familiarity with our development environment, tools and technologies. - Jointly develop mission concept with team members. - Team-based software development, testing and documentation in accord with project goals. - Planning and time management. - Preparation of a written report and oral presentation of research work and demonstrator.

- Cyber Security - Computer Network Defence - Information Security - Artificial Intelligence - Distributed Systems - Autonomous Systems - Robotic Control

- General software development skills (Go, C/C++, Java or similar languages desirable). - Good communication skills. - Ability to work in teams. - Motivated and goal-focussed.

12 month project. Our team currently includes researchers, developers and students developing new concepts and tools for building autonomous cyber systems. We are seeking a student who is keen to work with our team members to take on the challenge of autonomous capabilities in the cyber domain.



Implementation of a prototype module on a modular phone platform (Google Ara)

A mobile, multi-level, secure computing architecture is being developed by DST Group, targeting modular mobile devices (such as the Google Ara platform). The architecture maximises the use of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, supplementing it with a small custom hardware footprint to meet the desired utility and security objectives. A simulation of this architecture, including the custom hardware functionality, is expected to be available as a starting point for the project. The simulation will include basic software components that utilise the architecture, running within an Android emulation environment. The project involves the implementation and refinement of this architecture on prototype / development hardware.

The student will contribute to the implementation of the architectural design on prototype hardware. This will involve writing hardware description language (HDL) code and deploying it onto a field programmable gate array (FPGA) development circuit board. The prototype will need to interface with a Google Ara development board, according to the specifications in the Ara MDK 0.2 (http://www.projectara.com/mdk/), and run a suitably customised Android environment.

Electronic / Computer Systems Engineering, Computer Science

Experience with electronics prototyping and implementation would be highly regarded. An ability to develop or modify software for the Android platform would be advantageous, as would an awareness of information security principles, especially as it relates to aspects of hardware design.

12 month project. Ideal for a student looking to expand their experience with hardware-related development, making use of emerging and established mobile technologies together with related cyber security concepts.



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Developing Reverse Engineering Tools for Microsoft's Common Language Runtime

The Common Language Runtime (CLR) is Microsoft's runtime environment that manages the execution of .NET applications. Previous work has explored the possibility of malicious programs targeting the CLR (known as "managed code rootkits" - see https://appsec-labs.com/managed_code_rootkits/). The aim of this work is to explore the risk posed by these Managed Code Rootkits (MCR) and explore/develop existing/new reverse engineering tools to analyse MCRs.

The student will have the opportunity to: •Develop proof of concept MCRs •Evaluate existing CLR reverse engineering tools •Extend existing/develop new CLR reverse engineering tools

Computer security The following skills are required: •Understanding of computer security concepts, e.g. malware detection/analysis, vulnerability analysis, etc. •Familiarity with the Microsoft .NET framework •Experience in programming in C and a .NET language (e.g. C#) •An interest in the internals of the .NET framework/CLR from a security perspective

12 month project.

IEP JOAD 01 Joint and Operations Analysis

Fisherman's Bend, Victoria

Knowledge Stitching

Air Capability Analysis (ACA) conducts activities such as workshops and surveys to assist in solving Defence problems. A common goal of these activities is to elicit information from subject matter experts (SMEs) to help improve understanding of a problem and its potential solutions. However, because each SME only holds a partial view of the world, a more complete understanding can be created through gathering and synthesising knowledge from multiple SMEs. This process of knowledge transfer is known as ‘stitching’ and is a good model for describing how interdisciplinary teams collaborate to understand complex problems. This student project will explore the idea of knowledge stitching from a theoretical perspective. The work will involve designing and running experiment(s) to test how the concept works in practice and identify how it could apply to ACA’s knowledge elicitation activities. A simple test case will be used: ordering a large list of cities by population size, using only partial information elicited from ‘experts’ in a survey. The researcher will explore methods for creating the complete, ordered list given the partially derived information.

Student will be involved in: 1. Refining the design of the experiment 2. Generating products for the experiment (e.g. the survey, the partial and complete lists of cities for ordering by SMEs) 3. Explore prioritisation approaches for SMEs to order the list 4. Explore methods for increasing survey uptake rate 5. Explore methods for synthesising the partial lists to recreate the complete list

Student will be involved in: 1. Refining the design of the experiment 2. Generating products for the experiment (e.g. the survey, the partial and complete lists of cities for ordering by SMEs) 3. Explore prioritisation approaches for SMEs to order the list 4. Explore methods for increasing survey uptake rate 5. Explore methods for synthesising the partial lists to recreate the complete list

12 month project. Student should be keen to engage survey respondents through phone, email and face to face. Student may negotiate a different start date.



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Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Applying risk management to define capability investment priorities

In the current fiscal environment there is a need in Defence to support evidence-based decision-making associated with the prioritisation and optimisation of existing and future major Defence capabilities, infrastructure projects and facilities. This student research project will focus on the development of a scientifically based investment prioritisation methodology to assist better decision-making in designing and managing complex investment portfolios in Defence. The project will be hosted by the Strategic Capability Analysis Branch and will provide the participating student with an excellent opportunity to gain understanding of the capability development process in Defence and develop effective solutions to complex strategic planning problems through the application of analytical techniques.

The student will work in a team with other researchers to develop an innovative portfolio investment methodology based on scientific risk management principles which will involve completing the following tasks under a limited supervision: * Reading and studying relevant scientific papers, reports, policies, guidelines and manuals * Preparing literature reviews and summaries * Conducting analysis and developing risk based investment models * Collecting data from various sources and implementing models in a suitable tool such as Excel * Writing a short research report * Presenting a briefing about their work * If the successful candidate has mathematical skills there could also exist an opportunity to conduct quantitative and statistical analysis and modeling

* Risk Management * Business and Management * Decision Science * Strategic studies * Defence Studies * Operations Research * Public Policy and Administration

* Strong analytical skills * Ability to work in a team * Ability to work with limited supervision * Some quantitative skills in Mathematics and Applied Statistics would be an advantage but are not essential

12 month project. This role is suitable for a highly motivated research student with interest and willingness to work in the Australian Public Service and Defence. The preferred duration of the placement is 12 months to allow student sufficient time to successfully complete this project. To be eligible for the placement the successful applicant will need to be willing to be assessed for suitability to hold Negative Vetting Level 1 security clearance that will involve extensive background checking. The security clearance process generally takes around 3 to 6 months from the date of the acceptance of the placement offer. The successful applicant will need to be willing and able to relocate to Canberra for the duration of the placement.



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Process improvement for coordinating fire support in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

The objective of this study is to improve business processes for dynamic targeting in the ADF when conducting Joint (multi-service) warfighting operations and to reduce overheads from the sensor to shooter workflow. This process improvement initiative will take a systematic approach to evaluating current ADF warfighting capability for dynamic targeting.

The overall approach can be generally organised into three phases:1. Frame the process by establishing process context, scope, and goals for dynamic targeting – includes identifying a set of related business processes, and for each, clarifying its boundaries, contents, and some aspects of the current implementation, performing an initial assessment, and setting to-be goals.2. Understand the current (as-is) process by conducting a baseline assessment to identify dynamic targeting capability gaps – includes modelling its workflow and making initial observations on factors impacting process performance.3. Design the new (to-be) process by addressing capability limitations and organisational impediments to efficient dynamic targeting – includes finalising an assessment of the process, devising and assessing potential improvements, selecting which changes (improvements) will be made, defining the important characteristics of the to-be process required to implement the changes, and designing the new workflow.

Management science, Business analysis, Operations research, Process analysis and improvement, System engineering.

Interview skills, Facilitation skills, Report writing.

12 month project.



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Development of serious games for the improvement of fire support in the Australian Defence Force (ADF)

The objective of this project is to model the ADF targeting and fire support processes in order to study the current (as-is) and new (to-be) sensor to shooter workflow. The development of a serious game environment based on a combination of process modelling and immersive techniques is used as a means by which current and future processes in ADF warfighting capability can be analysed and evaluated to help identify process bottlenecks and suitable alternatives.

A scenario-driven approach will be taken for evaluating appropriate organisational structures and process workflow as follows:1. Develop scenario models in wargaming simulation tools (e.g., DDD ) to identify typical joint fires scenarios across the spectrum of future operating environments. The intent is to engage military staff to evaluate future options for delivering fire support in a range of scenarios and identify both positive and negative impacts to mission success.2. Develop organisation models using organisation simulation tools (e.g., SimVision ) to measure how well an organisation can accomplish the required work. This set of models will be used to assess organisational efficiency and staff effort in managing the work. 3. Develop process models using workflow modelling tools (e.g., C3TRACE ) for process improvement. This set of discrete event simulation models will be used to describe the workflow of dynamic targeting and determine the improvements that could be made for better performance, including staff workload, timeliness, and potential bottlenecks in command and control.4. Develop system models based on model-driven architecture methodology (e.g., Artisan Studio ) to express modelling concepts. It will take the systems engineering viewpoint and look at the entire system lifecycle, including new systems and their interoperability requirements.5. Report on and apply the results from simulation tools to inform Defence clients.

Business analysis, Operations research, Process analysis and improvement, Systems engineering, Modelling and simulation, Command and control.

Computer programming, Statistics, Report writing.

12 month project.



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Big Data and Machine Learning For Military Planning

The position is located within the Planning and Logistics group in the Joint and Operations Analysis Division at DST Group in Adelaide. This project will involve contributing to the R&D of a decision support system to predict and manage supply chain vulnerabilities and strategic risks by analyzing large volumes of military logistics data. A key component of the decision support system is the application of data mining and machine algorithms over underlying data to automatically predict vulnerabilities and risks. The project’s scope includes both applied research as well as associated software development. Applied research will be in the areas including but not limited to the following: Association Rule Mining, Regression, Bayesian Networks, Clustering and Deep Learning. Software development part will involve implementing data mining and machine learning algorithms including data visualization within the decision support system.

The student will be required to work within a high-performing team consisting of DSTG scientists and contractors. Research will involve investigating and applying complex data mining and machine learning algorithms to infer insights from large volumes of data. Contributions to external publications (conference or journal papers) on the findings may also be required. The research will be supported through all facets of software development ranging from requirements, design, and prototypes through to development in a Continuous Integrated software development environment.

Data Mining and Machine Learning Research: - Association and Sequence Mining - Regression Analysis - Bayesian Networks - Clustering - Deep Learning Software Development Methodologies: - Platforms: Java or .NET, and R Statistical Package - Agile Software Development - Rapid Prototyping (RP) and Feature Driven Development (FDD) - Test Driven Development (TDD) in a Continuous Integrated software development environment

The student will require knowledge in Java or .NET Development. Knowledge of statistical packages such as R is desired. An aptitude to understand and implement mathematical concepts is highly desirable. Good communication skills (written and oral) for elicitation of direction and recording designs and decisions.

12 month project. The student must have a positive attitude and have the desire to learn and research independently as well as follow guidance from colleagues. Must work well within the team, be flexible and open minded.


Canberra, Australian Capital Territiory

Technology Watch and Horizon Scan Tool Development

The Technology Forecasting and Futures Team has a requirement for automated tools to aid technology watch and horizon scan activities. A computer science student with suitable coding skills is required to develop a Python based framework for collection and analysis of RSS feeds as well as citations from data bases such as SCOPUS is required.

a. The student will work with the Technology Forecasting and Futures Team to elicit requirements for the development of software to collect and analyse RSS feeds and citation data bases.b. The student will be required to develop software in Python to provide a framework for collection and analysis of RSS feeds and paper citations.c. The student will also be required to provide comprehensive documentation of the software tool/s developed through a user guide and technical description to allow future development.

Computer Science An appreciation of broader science and technology fields.

12 month project.



3D Visualisation Tools for Simulation

Many combat simulation and wargaming tools present the user with a 2D (top-down) view of the environment. This is insufficient for scenario development and demonstration purposes in many cases. It is desirable to develop a standalone tool for 3D visualisation of terrain and scenario playback. This could either integrate directly into the simulation tools, or operate stand-alone from broadcast data packets.

Development or appropriation of 3D visualisation tools, and the code to link the tool with existing simulation and wargaming tools. Produce well formatted and commented code and software design documentation

Software Engineering Computer Science Applied Mathematics

Proficiency in one or more of the following: * Java * C++

12 month project. Self-motivated student with excellent academic results, studying a bachelor's degree (or equivalent / higher) in any software development focused degree. Some familiarity with geospatial concepts (mapping and projections) is desirable.



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SimR Simulation Exporter

Maintain the existing SimR application by adding user requested features to the user interface. Provide additional exporters for generating data used for combat simulations.

The project will require the student to create database storage of user entered data, conversion of the data into a common data format and translation of the common data format into a combat simulator specific database requirements.

Software Engineering Web Programming Technologies: • JavaScript • JQuery • CSS • HTML Web Server Technologies: • Java • JMS Database Technologies: Mongo

12 month project.



Investigation of groupthink in Army’s strategic planning

Part A) review of methods and process for application of critical thinking techniques to non-traditional Red Teaming (RT)Part B) develop approach to overcome groupthink in the development of Army’s capstone modernisation documents / outputs Part C) run pilot activity to investigate the level of groupthink and evaluate the benefits of the approach in improving Future Land Warfare (FLW) outputs (i.e. reducing critical vulnerabilities)

Part A) Undertake a literature review of all the intelligence analysis and red teaming literature and, in concert with the lessons from the FLW RT activities piloted to date, synthesise a common thread that could be applied to future LCA RT activities. Part B) building on current literature develop a methodological approach to support the running of a short trial as part of an FLW RT activity. Part C) Application of methodologies trial with DFLW Army staff; this trial will analyse a DFLW high-level output TBD (e.g. FLWR15 or some other high-level doctrine, gap analysis etc.).

Analytical discipline including intelligence/strategic/Defence analysis or organisational psychology (heuristics & biases, team dynamics focus, trial development and analysis).

• Ability to synthesise information, and facilitate planning/development workshops or activities.

12 month project. Ability to travel to Canberra to support activities, if necessary.



JavaScript MIL-STD-2525B & C graphics implementation

Future software developments will require the ability to generate interactive MIL-STD-2525B & C graphics on web-based applications. There are many JavaScript drawing libraries available but none have support for rendering military graphics and also mapping real world positions to the screen display. The task also requires integration of unit icons and multiple graphics into multiple scheme of manoeuvre overlays.

Development of a JavaScript software library that is compatible with mapping frameworks. Development of server side representations of the scheme of manoeuvre graphics.

Software Engineering Web Programming Technologies: • JavaScript • JQuery • CSS • HTML Web Server Technologies: • Java Node.js

12 month project.



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Trusted Multimedia Interfaces for Autonomous Systems

DST Group’s Project Tyche is exploring how autonomous AI and trusted interfaces can be used to support military operations and intelligence analysis, in collaboration with international partners. The development of an interactive multimedia capability to provide situational awareness, leveraging existing in-house capabilities, is a key enabler for achieving trusted interfaces to manage intent and task autonomous systems in these use cases.In this project the student will extend and/or develop interfaces enabling multimedia storytelling, using web technologies, to support our international collaboration. These interfaces will integrate with a service-oriented middleware to discover, assemble, and render appropriate content to provide interactive multimedia interfaces for operators and analysts.This project provides an exciting opportunity to gain experience with leading edge technologies in the rapidly developing field of autonomous systems, and participate in a major international collaboration.

• Develop and/or extend web applications compatible with the service-oriented middleware.• Understand and characterise the data and presentation requirements for the use-cases developed for internal and international demonstrations.• Integrate these web applications with data sources and third-party systems available in internal and international demonstrations.• Provide technical support as required to prepare and conduct internal and international demonstrations.

• Semantic web technologies• Multimedia systems• Graph databases• Natural Language Generation• Service Oriented Architectures

• Web application development• Javascript programming• Java programming• Software engineering

12 month project. Situational awareness is a key requirement for decision makers and analysts. In the normal course of their roles this is achieved, in part, by exploration and manipulation of the data space in order to produce the products needed to support their analysis and decisions. This helps establish the context, and determine what is known, what is not known, what is important and what is not important to a particular situation. When automation is introduced to handle large data sets, this pathway to situational awareness is largely lost. In addition, automation can introduce a variety of additional human factors issues (see, for example, “The Glass Cage: Where Automation Is Taking Us” by Nicholas Carr). A trusted and effective interface to autonomous systems is therefore essential to their effective teaming with human operators and analysts. We have been exploring the use of automated multimedia narrative, including interactive virtual human characters coupled with text, images, videos, graphs, diagrams, 2D/3D animations and geospatial scenes, as a means of providing users with the elements needed to understand a situation, identify intent, and task autonomous systems appropriately. With the increasing shift towards autonomous systems with ‘humans on the loop’ rather than ‘humans in the loop’, there will be an increasing need for such engaging interfaces.



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Information Fusion and User Interfaces for Situational Awareness

The successful applicant will be working in a small team of developers, building a cutting edge situational awareness system for our clients within Headquarters Joint Operation Command for DACC (Defence Assistance to the Civil Community) and HADR (Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief) operations.The system comprises of the following components:• Data services layer which retrieves information from a variety of both military and unclassified sources (ie weather, emergency services, etc)• Performing value-adding, indexing and fusing on these data services and creating web and geospatial services from this• Presenting and searching data through a web-based dynamic geospatial display systemThis will provide a live, aggregated and summarised interface to aid in situation awareness for both military and civilian operations (such as floods, fires and earthquakes etc).This position provides the student with the opportunity to contribute to all aspects of data science which includes acquisition, fusion and visualisation. The system is being developed using industry standard software development methodologies which include a continuous integration environment and Agile practices. This position is well suited to a student who has an interest in working in data science and/or geospatial visualisation and wants to provide valuable outcomes for Defence.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to work on all facets of software development. It is not expected that the student has experience in all of these areas. Tasks may include:• Creating applications to gather, transform and parse data from a variety of open and military data sources• Performing data integration and inference across these data sources• Linking related pieces of data together, indexing for searchability and geo-referencing data• Displaying data in an integrated dynamic geospatial display, chart and/or other analytical display in a web-based application such as OpenLayers

Software Engineering, Computer Science and/or Web Engineering

Essential:• Object oriented software engineering experience in Java/C++ or similar• Web application development experience (HTML, CSS, Javascript, etc)• Eagerness to learn, use and explore new web and programming frameworks/technologiesDesirable:• Working knowledge of databases (SQL-based)• Exposure to MVC web application frameworks such as Grails or similar• Exposure to Eclipse IDE or similar development environments• Exposure to software configuration management concepts (ie SVN, Git, etc)

12 month project. Candidates will need to have an interest in software development practices and desire to create applications used by military personnel.However, we also believe our ideal candidate will be:• Eager to experiment, research and learn about data science and/or web technologies• Keen to learn more about software development within an agile software development environment (including continuous integration)• Interested in delivering usable outcomes to military clients• Able to follow guidance from colleagues, have a positive attitude and an ability to work independently and within a team

IEP LD 01 Land Edinburgh, South Australia

Experimental Study into the Effectiveness of Intelligence Reconnaissance and Surveillance into Combined Armed Teams

This project proposes the development and demonstration of strategic Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance (ISR) into combined armed teams (e.g. soldiers and Land Combat Vehicles) using Battle Labs in:- (a) A DSTO distributed experiment across DSTO Divisions using local networks and Real Virtual Synthetic simulation with coalition partners using the CFBL Networks. Strategic ISR may incorporate UAV real imagery feeds which may come from an Intelligent Data Base, generated in Virtual Battlefield 3 (VB3) or from simulators as part of a coalition distributed exercises in 2016. Contractors will develop several software Gateways between systems such as the intelligent data base and experimental Battle-Field Management Systems (BMS-E) used by Combined Armed teams. The experiments will look into and measure improvements to Situational Awareness (SA) and effectiveness of missions by incorporating strategic ISR into combined armed teams. Measures of Effectiveness (MOEs) will have to be developed and this software will need to be incorporated in experiments. This may include human factors improvements to soldiers driving Land Combat vehicles and due to the automation aspects of the intelligent data base together with BMS-E. How do we organise strategic effects of battlegroup (below brigade). How will a Battlegroup (Combined Armed Teams e.g. L400 vehicles, soldiers, Ground based air defence (GBADS), long range precision artillery, BMS-E) represented by our Land Node be affected by: • Incorporating Strategic ISR (Imagery) • Joint fires coordination • Incorporating Electronic Warfare effects from Air • Prosecuting a maritime target using Long Range Artillery The Battle-Lab Experiments may initially be modelled using a

- Under the direction of supervisor develop experimental metrics and implement them using (C/C++) coding as part of the experiment/vignette outlined. - This may involve a joint brief literature review with supervisor in Metrics used in improvements to Situational Awareness using imagery in Combat Armed Teams and the types of image processing techniques that can be used in imagery to help improve situational awareness to the soldier. - Become familiar with the use of VB3. Update scenarios and Vignettes in VB3 setup initially by the contractor to suit the change of direction or extension in experiment. - Setup equipment/software during experimentation within DSTO and externally using both the restricted and CFBL networks. - Jointly with supervisor become familiar with the discrete event simulation in CORE (System Engineering Tool) and help model Long range and joint fires aspects of the experiment.

Electrical/Electronic/ Mechatronic/ Mechanical Engineering Computer Programming

- Knowledge in C++/C , Java programming, possibly Matlab modelling - Interest in Modelling and Simulation areas. - Basic Knowledge in System Engineering will be helpful but not essential. - Willing to learn some simulation aspects of the System Engineering Tool (CORE) will be helpful but not essential. - Interest in image analysis. - Good written communication skills.

12 month project. Full-time student prefered but will consider part-time.



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discrete event simulation in CORE.


Context Aware C2 UI and data visualisation

Research and develop prototypes of context aware command and control (C2) UI and data visualization concepts. This work will be done as an integral part of a larger research program looking into future C2 context aware concepts for vehicle systems.

- Perform a literature review.- Develop C2 UI concepts.- Develop software prototypes.- Work as part of a research team.

- UI/UX- Data Visualization- AI techniques- Laptop/Mobile/Tablet/Watch form factor UI- Software design and prototyping

- Good communication and writing skills.

12 month project.



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IEP LD 03 Land Fisherman's Bend, Victoria

DEVELOPMENT OF IPE TEST METHOD FOR DERMAL PROTECTION AGAINST AIRBORNE CBR HAZARDS

The project aims at development of Individual Protection Systems’ test method (Prove-of-concept demonstration) for dermal protection of protective ensembles against airborne CBR hazards using Fluorescent Tracer Photometry and Image Analysis techniques. The dermal route of exposure can contribute substantially to the total dose received by personnel operating in a CBR environment and reliable test methods are required for an assessment of dermal protection provided by air-permeable protective suits (IPE system). The traditional methods, based on exposure assessment using dermal patches, chemical removal techniques such as skin washing or wiping, are laborious, time consuming, of limited accuracy and do not provide real-time information during field exposures. The proposed test method overcomes those shortcomings. The proposed method is based on an indirect and non-invasive quantification of dermal exposure by measuring deposition of fluorescent materials (aerosol) on a surface area. The use of fluorescent compounds, coupled with video imaging measurements, will produce qualitative (where) and quantitative (amount) exposure estimates over virtually the entire body. This will include acquiring pre- and post-exposure images of skin surfaces under long-wave ultraviolet illumination, development of a standard curve relating dermal fluorescence to skin-deposited tracer, and chemical residue sampling to quantify the relationship between the tracer and the chemical substance of interest as they are deposited on skin. The method will be validated against experimental data measured by traditional quantitative methods.

The student will assist and under supervision actively contribute to the following activities: Activity 1: Tracer Visualisation and Imaging Development of an experimental system and method allowing visualization and imaging of IPE surfaces exposed to fluorescent material (swatch, components and IPE ensemble). The system will include an experimental chamber, dark room, UV light source, photo/video camera, scanning system, etc. 1. Setting up Imaging system 2. Preparation of samples with fluorescent tracers 3. Quantitative fluorometry (tracer surface deposition) 4. Tracer visualisation and image acquisition Activity 2: Image Processing and Analysis Development of a software program and image processing algorithms allowing quantification of dermal exposure of tested IPE. The technique will be developed from a simple 2D surface swatch model to more complex surfaces. 1. Image processing and analysis 2. Development of algorithms for dermal exposure assessment 3. Comparison of Image Analysis results vs. Quantitative Fluorometry Activity 3: Preparation of a technical report /external publication resulting from the project.

Physical Sciences, Chemistry or Mathematics Engineering (electronics, communication, interfacing) Data analysis and programming (Excel, Matlab, Python, C)

Experience or ability to quickly acquire skills relevant to lab work and instrumentation Skills in data processing, analysis and interpretation Basic Programming skills Willingness to learn and actively contribute to this exiting work program

12 month project. Student will be working in an inclusive supporting environment. The project has multidisciplinary character and will reach across several capability areas including physics, chemistry and engineering.


Context Based Tactical Communications

Research, develop and apply communication systems techniques for context based inter-vehicle communications in a military environment. This will include prototyping with wireless technologies, military computer systems and commercial mobile platforms. This work will be done as an integral part of a larger research program looking into future C2 context aware concepts for improved wireless military communications systems.

• Research relevant and available communications technologies and techniques • Explore dynamic, context based networking decisions • Develop hardware/software prototype communications systems • Work as part of a research team • Report on findings for possible solutions

• Computer Networking Theory • Computer Science • Wireless networks • Mobile Adhoc Networking • Software design and prototyping • Distributed Systems and Middleware • Mobile Platforms and Associated Technologies

• Ability to perform self-directed work • Willingness to work as part of a team • Good communication and writing skills

12 month project.



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Distributed Decision Making Application to support Autonomous Systems in Military Land Vehicles

The research program of the Advanced Vehicle Systems (AVS) group seeks to identify opportunities and develop solutions to improve the resilience and adaptability of critical services on Army’s future land vehicles. Digitalisation of modern land vehicles has increased the potential for re-configuration, re-deployment and self-management of vehicle-hosted sensors and effectors. As a result, they may offer redundant functionality that can be exploited to enhance the resilience of critical services. Furthermore, vehicles in the land battlespace are often co-located such that sensors and effectors on other vehicles could be utilised to realise resilient services and other novel capabilities. Autonomic management of vehicle systems will be required to realise these capabilities.Distributed decision making concepts are being investigated by the AVS group to support the realisation of these capabilities in future military land vehicles. Self-management of resources and critical services within a vehicle and between vehicles is expected to require sophisticated decision making processes. The student’s involvement will focus on research into relevant distributed decision making methods and tools to support self-management of services and resources within military land vehicles. This is expected to culminate in the development of a simulation to demonstrate the implementation and fitness of these distributed decision making techniques in representative scenarios.

a) Research on existing distributed decision making methods and tools.b) Gain familiarity with existing distributed decision making modelling and simulation tools.c) Design and concept demonstration through modelling and simulation of distributed decision making methods between systems representative of those on military land vehicles.

Computer Systems Engineering, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, Machine Intelligence, Robotics (Control)

General programming skills, Knowledge of programming techniques and experience with software tools such as Matlab/Simulink, UML modelling experience

12 month project. Desire to work in a research environment, Ability to work in a team environment and independently under broad direction, Good written and oral communication skills


Technology Analysis and Prototyping to support Autonomous Systems in Military Land Vehicles

The research program of the Advanced Vehicle Systems (AVS) group seeks to identify opportunities and develop solutions to improve the resilience and adaptability of critical services on Army’s future land vehicles. Digitalisation of modern land vehicles has increased the potential for re-configuration, re-deployment and self-management of vehicle-hosted sensors and effectors. As a result, they may offer redundant functionality that can be exploited to enhance the resilience of critical services. Furthermore, vehicles in the land battlespace are often co-located such that sensors and effectors on other vehicles could be utilised to realise resilient services and other novel capabilities. Autonomic management of vehicle systems will be required to realise these capabilities. The student’s involvement will focus on investigating relevant system technologies, interfaces, infrastructure and middleware, and incorporating them into prototypes and concept demonstrators.

a) Technology investigation covering sensor/effector systems (hardware), electronic infrastructure, middleware, or control systems within in current and future military vehicles. b) Building system models of relevant systems (potentially in UML). c) Contributing to the development of technology and concept demonstrator prototypes in software, middleware or utilising military hardware.

Computer Systems Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Science

Electronics hardware experience, Knowledge of programming techniques and experience with software tools such as Matlab/Simulink, UML modelling experience



Cooperative Autonomous Vehicle Services; Hybrid Synergy between Event-Triggered and Real-time Control

The research program of the Advanced Vehicle Systems (AVS) group seeks to identify opportunities and develop solutions to improve the resilience and adaptability of critical services on Army’s future land vehicles. Digitalisation of modern land vehicles has increased the potential for re-configuration, re-deployment and self-management of vehicle-hosted sensors and effectors. As a result, they may offer redundant functionality that can be exploited to enhance the resilience of critical services. Furthermore, vehicles in the land battlespace are often co-located such that sensors and effectors on other vehicles could be utilised to realise resilient services and other novel capabilities. Autonomic management of vehicle systems will be required to realise these capabilities. In regard to controlling these systems, almost all operational

a) Research on existing hybrid control methods and tools. b) Gain familiarity with existing hybrid modelling tools such as Stateflow within Simulink. c) Design and concept demonstration of a cooperative autonomous behaviour in a group of vehicle systems.

Distributed Control, Hybrid Control, Estimation Theory, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering, Systems Engineering, Mathematics

General programming skills, Basic knowledge of control theory, Knowledge of programming techniques and experience with software tools such as Matlab/Simulink, UML modelling experience




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systems are composed of both physical components that run in continuous-time as well as cyber systems such embedded circuits and communication channels that run in discrete event-time. Hybrid control is the process of managing both the physical and the cyber parts of a system. Hybrid control has proven advantageous in systems involving groups of complex systems, sequential planning of complex autonomous behaviours and rigorous modelling of embedded control systems. This project involves research on cyber-physical systems, familiarisation with hybrid modelling tools, concept design and demonstration of hybrid control in a cooperative fleet of autonomous vehicles.

IEP LD 08 Land Fisherman's Bend, Victoria

Numerical Modelling of Interface Defeat

An emerging area of ballistic protection technology is the concept of interface defeat. Interface defeat erodes the projectile at the surface of a confined ceramic. The project will involve the development of a methodology to confine the ceramic within a numerical model and validate the models against experimental data.

1. Conduct a literature review on modeling ceramics subjected to ballistic threats. 2. Develop a methodology to confine the ceramic and develop validated models of ballistic impact problems with interface defeat.

Aerospace/MechanicalEngineering and related disciplines.

FEA experience is required for this project.

6 month project.


Capability Systems Modelling and Analysis

To identify and document commonality in exported data from SE (System Engineering) tools such as Vitech Core, System Architect and Papyrus. Utilising this commonality develop a method of representation that will allow interoperability between SE tools. Currently a number of SE models are stored as Vitech Core using different schemas and versions and as such would be expected to provide a starting point of this work.

3. Tasks/Duties Required: a. Literature review to understand interoperability issuesIdentify the papers written about interoperability issues between SE tools. Identify any existing solutions or work towards such solutions (such as DANSE). b. Review existing data formats and describe possible solutionseg. The common data format in SE tools is the Extensible Markup Language (XML), most tools can export data as Comma Separated Variable (CSV) files. One possible solution to tool interoperability may be an export of CSV or XML files to a central database that then provides tailored CSV or XML files in a format suitable for use in a second tool. c. Identify limits in solutions and justify use of solution.Some of the possible solutions may require additional effort in the design of models or require modification of models when transferred between tools. These limitations should be identified, assessed and documented.d. Implement exemplar solution(s)Develop an initial solution to the problem using pre-defined data sets to prove basic functionality. Further develop solution to allow for additional complexity in modelling tools and schemas.e. Support to SE modelling activities within Capability Systems Analysis team.As part of the CSA team, ad hoc support will be expected to be given to systems analysis and modelling projects. This

Database design, Systems Engineering, Software design.

Microsoft Word, Excel, Powerpoint (required)Experience in a programming language such as C, C++, Java to implement simple data manipulation and presentation.

12 month project. The successful applicant will work in a fast paced environment and have the support of an experienced team Engineers and Scientists, however a demonstrated ability to work under own initiative will be valued.



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support will provide additional information on the structure and use of the models available and modelling tools.

IEP NSID 01 National Security & ISR


Image analysis and exploitation using LiDAR point clouds

LiDAR point clouds can be used as another modality in a multi-source analysis and exploitation framework. The scope of this work would involve exploring and exploiting the LiDAR scan data from aerial imagery in order to identify, recognize and summarise the target objects. This research project will give the opportunity for a talented candidate to work closely with a multidisciplinary team to solve some of the issues and open up LiDAR point clouds to new and exciting applications. The prospective candidate will need to develop algorithms, implement them and apply them to state-of-the-art data sets. The project will be tailored to the specific skillsets of the successful candidates, and will involve some of the following components; developing algorithms, implementation of software, and analysis of the results. It is desirable, but not essential, for the successful applicant to have proficiency in mathematics, image/signal processing and experience in either Matlab or C/C++. All other required skills can be learnt during the course of the project.

• Regular ongoing consultation with researchers. • Become familiar with LiDAR point clouds • Develop algorithms and software for feature detection/extraction and pattern recognition • Document LiDAR capability, including design, implementation, experimentation and analysis • Present results to DSTO research community.

Mathematics, Image/Signal Processing, Computer Vision, Computer Graphics, Pattern Recognition

Experience with and/or an interest in: • Unix or Linux • Algorithm development • Matlab, C/C++ • Data analysis • Building something new and exciting!

12 month project. • Self motivated and able to work in teams or unsupervised. • High academic achievement is regarded favourably.



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Nanosatellite Development

An IEP student will work in a spacecraft development team to support DSTO’s CubeSat program. The student will primarily be contributing to Project Buccaneer, a duo of CubeSat to be launched in late 2016 and 2017. In Project Buccaneer, the student will provide support in two main tasks: developing the flight software to be used by the CubeSat and developing the ground station system to enable communication and tasking of the satellite once it is in space. There will also be some mechanical testing and evaluation of the spacecraft hardware that the student will provide support to. This project is ongoing and hence incremental goals and objectives will be set through the placement.

Buccaneer flight software development in C++ Satellite Ground station development and operation Support to Spacecraft Testing and Evaluation activities Mechanical and electrical integration of flight hardware Modelling and simulation of spacecraft in orbit Support system engineering studies of the complete satellite system

Mechatronic engineering, Electrical and Electronic engineering, Aerospace engineering, OR Computer Science

Programming experience in C++, Java & Matlab Embedded systems experience Understanding of the space environment Systems Engineering

12 month project. The student will be working with a team of 5 at DSTO Edinburgh in the Strategic Systems Assessment Group



Autonomous Cognitive Computing for Analyst Decision Making

We live in an age of information overload. Dealing with this is one of the great challenges of our age. Our research seeks to address this challenge by developing systems with the ability to automatically process large volumes of information from a variety of sources to enable sophisticated question and answering. Such systems would augment user’s natural cognitive capabilities to minimise the burden of information processing deluge. As autonomous cognitive agents, these systems should be capable of intention management with goal and intent recognition by, for example: • anticipating information needs;• receiving general direction;• noticing information gaps;• forming new intents;• taking the initiative to fill information gaps; and• engaging in effective natural language dialogue with humans.This student placement provides the exciting opportunity to work closely with our multi-disciplinary team on such a state-of-the-art prototype cognitive computing system.

According to interest and expertise and in close collaboration with project staff, the candidate would be required to work on some of the following tasks to:• understand user requirements and goals for Decision Making• understand various system inputs• assist in the development of methods to deal with degrees of uncertainty in the various data inputs• develop methods to provide outputs to queries• assist in the development of human–machine dialogue methods• assist with enhancing the current automated reasoning capabilitiesThe opportunity also exists to publish on aspects of the work in national and/or international fora.

• Autonomous systems• Artificial Intelligence• Dialogue management

• computer science• computational linguistics• knowledge representation and reasoning• software engineering

12 month project. This is an opportunity to gain a unique experience in an advanced, leading-edge, collaborative R&D environment working on real-world challenges.

IEP WCSD 01 Weapons and Combat Systems


Weapons Effects Vulnerability Software Development

Weapons Effects & Protection Group (WEPG) is responsible for the evaluation of warhead performance and thereby provides the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with scientific and technical advice on platform vulnerability and weapon lethality (V/L). The research program employs complex modelling and simulation, supported by trials and experimentation. This project requires a contribution to the development of code and tools for performing V/L analysis. Outcomes are to be documented. The project offers exposure to several key knowledge areas including modelling and simulation, software engineering and project management.

Under direction, the successful candidate will implement changes to a development version of the V/L code WTI. Possible changes include improved functionality for weapons effects assessments, integration of dll’s or other source code, writing new modules and GUIs. • The work will require a configuration management approach. • This work will involve working in an international software development team. • There may be an opportunity to be involved in experiments to validate the assessment code development.

Professional Software Development, Computer Science, Software Engineering

Proficiency in: C++ C# and/or WPF Unix/Linux scripting Fortran

12 month project.



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Weapons Effects Vulnerability Modelling

Weapons Effects & Protection Group (WEPG) is responsible for the evaluation of warhead performance and thereby provides the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with scientific and technical advice on platform vulnerability and weapon lethality (V/L). The research program employs complex modeling and simulation, supported by trials and experimentation. This project requires a contribution to various V/L assessments by performing modelling and analysis of the results of validation experiments relevant to the assessment scenario. Outcomes are to be documented. Tests may be conducted at various Defence locations around Australia. The project offers exposure to several key knowledge areas including modelling and simulation, trials planning and conduct, and systems engineering

• Become familiar with the operation of the WTI V/L code • Assist in developing CAD models for use in V/L modelling. • Perform a sensitivity study to determine the effects of CAD detail on V/L results. • Document the design, results and analysis • There may be an opportunity to be involved in experiments to validate the assessment code development.

Mechanical Engineering Disciplines

Good communication skills. Able to work within a team environment.

12 month project.



Optimisation of Solid Rocket Motors

This project will see the applicant primarily working in Weapons Propulsion amongst fellow rocket scientists, on modelling tasks as applied to solid rocket motor design and mission performance optimisation. It will include exposure to jointly developed AUS-US software as well as motor static firings for data validation.

- C++/OOP programming - Implementation of optimisation algorithms; familiarity with nuances and numerical modelling associated with such algorithms- Improvement of analytical expressions for propellant grain regression- Comparison of motor performance with high fidelity/motor test data for improvements in ballistic models

Computer Science & Aerospace Engineering

Experience with CAD; specifically Solid EdgeMatlab and .MEX experienceBasic aerodynamics and trajectory modelling

12 month project.



Integration of simulation tools for closed-loop infrared tracking system

The Weapons Guidance and Technology Branch of the Weapons and Combat Systems Division uses simulation to conduct experiments on electro-optic and infrared sensors and weapons. In this project the student is required to integrate an infrared scene generation application with an image processing application and a system dynamics simulation application using inter-process communication techniques. This will enable closed-loop simulations of infrared tracking systems.

Specify an Application Programming Interface (API) based on inter-process message passing Implement a communications component in Unreal Engine 4 to expose the API to external processes. Develop a test framework in MATLAB, C++ or other language that uses the API to command Unreal Engine 4 to render a scene In the test framework use the scenes from Unreal Engine 4 to stimulate a tracker algorithm running in a separate process. Integrate a simulation of the sensor and target dynamics and perform a closed-loop simulation of the infrared tracker against a representative target.

Software engineering. Computer science. Modelling and simulation.

Knowledge of MATLAB, C++ or C#. Knowledge of inter-process communication techniques Knowledge of serialisation / deserialisation techniques Understanding of dynamic physical systems

12 month project. Possibility for a small amount of work using Occulus Rift DK2 virtual reality headset if time permits.



Solid Mechanics Modelling

Development of models to predict the performance of Explosively Formed Projectiles, Directional Focussed Fragmentation Charges and Shaped Charges.

Under supervision, use tools such as LS-Dyna and CTH to model the detonation of a variety of weapons as required by current divisional programs. Conduct validation of the modelling through experiments.

Hydrocodes, impact physics, detonics, metal driving capability of explosives, homemade explosives, counter improvised explosive devices, active protection systems.

Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering. Numerical modelling, Engineering design, practical experimental skills. Ability to work in remote locations for small periods during weapons field trials.

12 month project.



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A requirement exists for an investigation into the explosive focussing of micro-fragments and the effects of these against various targets. It is expected that an experimental program is undertaken to characterise and optimise the charge geometry in order to deliver optimum jetting effects. Varying the size of the micro-fragment at various ranges against static and moving targets will be investigated. Equipment to produce the required charge geometries and measure their effects will need to be designed and manufactured during the course of the project. Some computational modelling will also be required. Benefits to DSTO of this project will be a greater understanding of target effects of micro-fragments against a variety of targets. This will feed into a number of projects that WCSD is currently undertaking as well as provide a bank of fundamental knowledge for the future.

Mechanical design 3-D proto typing FEM Modelling Liaising with industry for manufacture of equipment Conduct of experiments in the High Explosive Firing Chamber and at field trials. Report on findings in both a written report and an oral presentation

Hydrocodes, impact physics, explosive devices, active protection systems, experimental design.

Mechanical Engineering/Applied Physics background and needs to have proficiency with CAD software and have a good mechanical aptitude.

12 month project.



Material Characteristaion

The non homogeneous structure of many modern materials means that predicting their behaviour under impact is challenging. This project will develop some of the tools associated with understanding these materials with a view to modelling performance.

Under supervision conduct experiments to measure high strain rate material properties. Conduct modelling in support of these experiments.

Hydrocodes, impact physics, materials science

Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering. Numerical modelling, Engineering design, practical experimental skills.

12 month project.