Glass science and engineering
This research direction aims to improve the knowhow in precision glass molding and its applications. It involves atomistic simulations to abstract important information to describe the variation of macroscopic properties and mechanics analysis to optimize mold design and process parameters. The industries related could be cover glass (touch screen glass), windshield glass, optical and thermal imaging lenses, and optoelectrical products. Existing projects are: (1) curved cover glass manufacturing -- from modeling to large-scale production. This is an industry-sponsored project, applicants may also choose to stay in industry if suitable. (2) Chalcogenide glasses for thermal imaging -- from atomistic modeling to low-cost scalable manufacturing technology. This project is still a conceptual. Applicants may choose to work on theoretical studies (with strong background in physics or mathematics) or engineering (with strong background in mechanical engineering or materials science). |
Soft matters and microswimmers
We aim to develop controllable microswimmers, which are cargos carrying drugs and functional nanoparticles that can be directed to tumours to kill can cancer cells through drug release or overheating. To this end, we need innovations in the theory of the hydrodynamics of microswimmers and materials technology to print and functionalize microswimmers. We also need to develop control algorithm to employ the synergy of acoustic and magnetic fields, both medically safe, to achieve microswimmer navigation and path planning. |
Mechano-chemical modeling of diffusion-reaction in materials
We aim at the fundamental and cross-disciplinary understanding of mechano-chemical coupling (MCC) in chemical or electrochemical processes. This coupling is of great importance to everyday life and modern industry. For example, it affects the cyclability of rechargeable batteries, the impact resistance of screen cover glass, and the durability of materials in high-temperature and corrosive environments. Computational, and experimental tools must be developed for each situation to comprehend, mitigate, or make use of these coupling effects, but rarely is this expertise leveraged between research areas. To be specific, we are working on the following MCC process: (i) Modeling of internal stress development and deformation in an ion-exchange process for cover glass (ii) Modeling of solid-state batteries, i.i., how a solid-solid interface evolves in an electrochemical system (iii) Modeling of Morphology evolutions in corrosion or oxidation |