Our research intersects the multidisciplinary fields of energy, surface science and engineering, and thermofluidics, and we investigate experimentally how surfaces and bulk material properties can be engineered to beneficially interact with micro/nano-scale and interfacial transport phenomena. Armed with this new understanding, we create novel materials and processes facilitating the development of transformative nanotechnologies for applications at the water-energy nexus and in healthcare. To achieve these goals, we employ state-of-the-art micro/nanofabrication techniques, interfacial optical methods, and theoretical modeling capabilities to gain mechanistic insight into complex thermodynamic and transport processes.
See our Publications page for our recent and past published research.
Ongoing Projects:
1. Characterization of carbon dioxide deposition and blockage in individual pipes and relief headers
Industrial refrigeration systems require overpressure protection, but for CO2 there is a risk of solid deposition and pipe blockage during pressure relief leading to serious safety concerns. Design guidelines exist for pressure relief valve capacity determination, however, we lack clear guidelines for installing multiple relief valves from different vessels feeding into a common manifold. This is because the relationship between thermodynamic state, heating loads, and relieving vessels on deposition is unknown. We will use experimental and theoretical methods to create phase-maps that highlight ice deposition-prone areas in relief valve-manifold connected systems assisting engineers in designing safer overpressure protection systems.
Image source: https://www.scienceabc.com/eyeopeners/dry-ice-can-make-home.html