High temperature lab opens in ATC

A world-class high temperature engineering research and teaching facility has been established in Swinburne University's new Advanced Technologies Centre.

The Robert Simpson High Temperature Processing Laboratory has been funded by a $500,000 donation through the Jolimont Foundation, in memory of one of Australia's leading furnace engineers.

The facility commemorates Mr Simpson's lifelong contribution to high temperature engineering.

"Sustainability is a key interest of Swinburne in both its research and teaching, and the university's high temperature processing group is a leader in this technologically challenging area of research," said Professor John Beynon, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Industrial Sciences.

"The work of the group is of great importance to Australia as we attempt to convert our mineral wealth into usable metals in an environmentally-responsible and cost-effective manner."

Beynon said the laboratory would facilitate vital research that would help protect the environment, add value to Australia's minerals, and influence processes around the world.

The new laboratory features state-of-the-art induction and resistance furnaces, a high temperature laser microscope for observing reactions at high temperatures, special analysis equipment for studying the changes in matter at high temperatures, and a solar simulator for studying the potential of using solar energy for smelting metals.

Speaking at the launch of the facility, the late Robert Simpson's wife, Rosemary said: "This has been the fulfilment of a dream Bob and I had, to do something for a university. After Bob died, I thought this is the first thing I want to do."

Robert Simpson grew up in Hawthorn during the Great Depression and studied carpentry at Swinburne. He gained an engineering degree while working as a cadet at BHP Newcastle steel mill where he was first exposed to high temperature furnaces and engineering. He later started Furnace Engineering which specialises in the design and manufacture of one-off furnaces.

Mr Simpson's family has also contributed $100,000 towards the establishment of the Rosemary Simpson Scholarship Fund for rural and regional students.

Rosemary Simpson began the Jolimont Foundation with an annuity she received from her grandfather, Charles Richard Herschell, who was one of Australia's film pioneers. Bob Simpson's children Sarah Wood, David Lloyd Jones, Susanna de Vienne and Richard Simpson are trustees of the foundation.

Caption:  Professor Geoffrey Brooks (far right) gives Mrs Rosemary Simpson and son Richard (left) a tour of the ATC, observed by Dr Jamal Naser, a member of the High Temperature Processing Group.