Materials
Materials and Mechanical Systems
Modern materials science seeks to understand and influence the behavior of materials at a variety of length scales, ranging from the atomic to the macroscopic, utilizing experimental and theoretical or computational tools as probes. The research includes nanoscience, biomaterials, high-temperature materials, and laser-induced processing with diverse applications from medicine to alternative energy.
For instance, magnetic nanoparticles are being designed for cancer detection and treatment; BioMEMS, artificial tissue, and orthopedic/dental structures are being constructed and explored; and bioinspired materials design is under way.
Lasers are used to construct nanostructured materials for energy storage and power generation and are exploited in the field of adaptive optics and micromanipulation of materials with light.
Quantum mechanics-based simulation tools are developed and used to explore and find ways to prevent oxidation, embrittlement, deformation, phase transitions, fracture, and mechanical wear of stressed and degraded metal alloys and ceramics at the macro and nano scale.
Microstructural evolution in metals and in biophysical systems and biology are being examined with
phase field approaches.
Faculty
- Craig Arnold ~ Laser-materials interactions, laser processing, non-traditional patterning, small structures, thin films, porous materials
- Emily Carter ~ Quantum, classical, and statistical mechanical methods are used to predict the atomic level chemistry of molecules, surfaces, and bulk solids related to the design of new material systems such as catalysts, alloys, engineering ceramics, electronic & magnetic devices, and thermal barrier coatings.
- Mikko Haataja ~ Computational and theoretical materials science; continuum modeling of solid-solid phase transformations and thin film growth during heteroepitaxy; analytical studies of growth morphologies during electrodeposition)
- Michael McAlpine ~ development of integrated, high performance nanoelectronic systems on flexible plastic substrates.
- Wole Soboyejo ~ Mechanical behavior of materials and structures, models of toughening, thermostructural performance, multi-layered coatings, micromechanical machines, biomaterials
