This project examines the use of order parameter techniques to model the evolution and characterization of microstructure in materials. Order parameter techniques, of which the phase field method has become a well-known example, have become the pre-eminent method for modeling the microstructural evolution that ultimately characterizes a vast array of materials. Efforts over the past few years have attempted to apply phase field models to solidification of alloys (including eutectics), grain growth and coalescence, electrodeposition, vacancy diffusion, drug delivery, and nano-environmental health and safety. In addition, work has proceeded to identify the proper methods to couple stress and fluid flow to the phenomena listed above. The developed models, knowledge, data, and software will be used to further the NIST effort to develop the materials innovation infrastructure central to the Materials Genome Initiative.

 

key words

Microstructure; Multiscale; Phase field methods; Solidification; Theory and modeling; Materials Genome Initiative;

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants