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A few minutes with ...

Jeff LaCombe

My current and past activities in this area have involved the study and application of a range of solidification and crystal growth processes. I have a strong background particularly in the science and physics of dendritic solidification and pattern formation during crystal growth. read more »

A Few minutes with Jeffrey LaCombe ...

Solidification and Crystal Growth

My current and past activities in this area have involved the study and application of a range of solidification and crystal growth processes. I have a strong background particularly in the science and physics of dendritic solidification and pattern formation during crystal growth.
Current research is extending the knowledge gained in earlier studies into application, for example, by using pressure pulses during casting processes to stimulate dendrite formation and control the as-cast microstructural length scales (i.e., the dendrite arm spacings). These studies are presently being conducted in both model materials as well as metal alloys, with the goal of developing industrially-feasible manufacturing processes.
I also have additional experience and current activities in float zone crystal growth (Si) as well as experience with processing methods using CVD and PVT techniques in several material systems, including carbon nanotube growth and C60 (molecular) crystal growth.
Other crystal growth methods, such as sol-gel precipitation of nanoscale ceramics, are presently being used for the synthesis of a variety of ceramics used in phosphor applications.

Nanoscale Templated Material Processing

I am actively pursuing research in the development of electrochemical methods for creating and using templated surfaces (hexagonal pore channel arrays) via anodizing methods in aluminum and titanium. These templates are being investigated for use in applications such as nanowire sensor arrays, composite structures, filtration, and solar cells. Many of these applications implement electrochemical methods for controlled deposition of materials (metals, semiconductors) into the pore channels for the specified application. Other processes under investigation also involve CVD growth of carbon nanotubes and nanofibers in the pores, creating array structures for various potential applications.

Microstructural Stability & Evolution in Ni-Based Superalloys

I am conducting a set of studies intended to serve as an independent assessment of the long-term behavior of Alloy-22 (a.k.a. Hastelloy C-22, etc.), which is currently under study for use as a corrosion barrier in nuclear repository containers in the Yucca Mountain Project (DOE). Issues being investigated include segregation during welding processes, annealing response, multicomponent diffusion, and the subsequent affect these have on the general corrosion behavior of the alloy.

Student Aerospace Projects

I am playing a lead role in an interdisciplinary program where students design, build, and operate a range of projects in aerospace science and engineering. Efforts include high-altitude ballooning experiments, rocket payloads, autonomous robotics, and student-built satellites in Earth-orbit. This is primarily an education/research program providing students with hands-on project engineering experience. The program is integrated into several courses (undergraduate and graduate) in the College of Engineering, and students participate in several different international student design competitions in the course of their activities.