Group
Phase Field and
FEM Linkage

SOFC Design and
Fabrication

Cellulose Based
Nanocomposites


group
Linking Phase Field and FEM Modeling for Process-structure-Property Predictions

Microstructure based modeling techniques can be used to reduce development costs of new materials and to better understand their mechanical behavior.  The purpose of this research is to develop an approach to microstructure sensitive design that links phase field and finite element modeling to achieve a more complete coupling between the process-structure-property relationships.

The methodology consists of four steps: microstructure reconstruction, statistical analysis, mesh development, and microstructure-sensitive FEM. The approach has been demonstrated for a Ni-base superalloy utilizing a 3D microstructure obtained through multi-section electron backscatter diffraction.

Design and Fabrication of High-Performancee SOFC ComponentsSpray Pyrolysis of SOFC/SOEC Electrodes:
•Cost effective method of fabricating SOFC/SOEC components
• Dense to highly Porous Structures
• Gradient Porosity
•Controlled morphology and porosity of the cathode film by varying spray parameters:
- Deposition temperature
- Solution and gas flow rates
- Solution concentration

Cellulose-based Nanocomposites as a Potential Scaffold in Cardiovascular Tissue EngineeringCardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. Tissue engineering as a potential candidate to revascularize a diseased vessel has been under extensive research study over the past few decades. As a major component, scaffold material plays a significant role for such a platform to be successful.
The objective of the current research is to design a fully cellulose-based nanocomposite with an improved supermolecular structure to potentially introduce a biomaterial scaffold for cardiovascular tissue engineering.

Methodology:

Fabricating cellulose nanofibers (CNW) through a multistage procedure consists of an acid hydrolysis, a few cycles of centrifugations, a dialysis exchange against distilled water, and a freeze-drying of fibers. Then pre-dispersing the nanofibers prior to mixing with cellulose acetate (CAP) matrix to form the final nanocomposite.