Research Projects in Materials Science and Engineering

Principal Investigator: Jeffrey LaCombe

Transient behaviors during dendritic solidification.
This study investigates the transient behavior of dendritic crystals when sudden changes in the growth conditions are imposed. These data are being collected using transparent analog materials to evaluate fundamental understandings of the pattern formation and growth process during dendritic solidification. [NASA]

Engineered dendritic microstructures through application of pressure oscillations during solidification.
This study will apply periodic pressure pulses to the melt during casting processes, stimulating the growth of dendrite side branches at regular, controlled, spacings. This will serve to provide an additional industrial method for controlling material microstructure in various casting technologies. [NSF CAREER]

Phase stability and segregation in Alloy 22.
This project seeks to develop qualified data on microstructural stability and its relationships with corrosion resistance for evaluating the design and construction of nuclear waste packaging materials. [DOE]

Multicomponent diffusion in Alloy 22 and related alloys.
Complementary work to above Alloy 22 study, focusing on understanding diffusional transport in the complex alloy.

Student-built satellite and aerospace systems.
PI on collaborative effort for a student-designed, built, and operated low-Earth satellite for scientific and educational purposes. [Space Grant]

Templated growth of nanowires for sensor array applications. (Co-PI with M. Misra)
Preparation of porous arrays in AAO and electrodeposition of sensor materials (CdTe, CdZnTe) into pores, creating nanowire arrays. Arrays will be developed for radiation sensing applications. Co-investigators (J. Murphy, T. Carnahan) are focusing on lithium-drifted bulk Si crystal growth (modified float zone) for similar radiation sensing applications. [DOE]

Templated growth of carbon nanotube arrays using nanostructured porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO) templates. (Co-PI with Dr. Misra)
This study focuses on the processing methods for template formation and electrodeposition methods. [Industry and DOE]

Crystal growth of bulk C-60 crystals.
Study of formation of C-60 bulk crystal formation and potential applications using PVT growth methods.

Thermal synthesis of nanocrystalline phosphor materials.
Scoping study of economical methods for synthesis of nanoscale ceramics.