Reducing noise pollution: new Fulbright scholar

Danielle Moreau Fulbright scholar
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Thursday, 21 March 2013

Reducing noise from aircraft, wind turbines and submarines is the aim of the University of Adelaide's latest Fulbright Scholar, announced today (Thursday 21 March) by the Hon. Chris Bowen, Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills, Science and Research.

Dr Danielle Moreau, a Research Associate in the Flow and Noise Group at the University's School of Mechanical Engineering, is this year's Fulbright South Australia Scholar.

Dr Moreau will go to Virginia Polytechnic Institute in the United States for three months to study noise generation by airfoils (wings, rotor blades and fins).

"Our modern, noisy world is incredibly advanced but the technologies that help us thrive can also damage our quality of life," said Dr Moreau. "A common component in modern technology responsible for unwanted noise is the airfoil. It is one of engineering's great challenges to understand and control airfoil noise."

Airfoil noise is produced when air or fluid flows over the wing or blade surface - the major source of noise for fans, aircraft, wind turbines and submarines.

"Using Virginia Tech's aeroacoustic facilities, I'm going to investigate how fluid flow interacts with an airfoil to produce sound. This research will help the development of quiet aircraft, wind turbines and submarines, reducing noise in our communities and improving human health and quality of life," she said.

University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Warren Bebbington, a former Fulbright Scholar himself, said: "The Fulbright Scholarship opens doors to a bright future in research and education.

"Danielle's success through dedication and commitment to her research deserves the warmest congratulations. Her work promises great benefit for people everywhere."

Danielle graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering in 2005 and a PhD in 2010 from the University of Adelaide. She has won the University Doctoral Research Medal and PhD thesis commendation from the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Three other University of Adelaide graduates also won Fulbright Scholarships this year: Dr Christopher Elvin (Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Hons)), Ms Michelle Circelli (BSc (Hons) in Psychology) and Dr Andrea Gordon (Bachelor of Sciences and PhD in medical sciences).

The four University of Adelaide graduates are among 26 talented Australians winning a Fulbright Scholarship in 2013.

The prestigious Fulbright program is the largest educational scholarship of its kind, created in 1946 to promote mutual understanding with the United States through educational exchange.

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