PAST RESEARCH PROJECTS

· NANOTECHNOLOGY: Computation of the interfacial structure and energy of metallic nanoparticles using embedded atom method, EAM and verification of calculations predictions using particle rotation method, PRM [41,43,44]. Fabrication of self-assembled nano-structures (nanofins) using focused ion-beam microscopy, FIB [16]; Nanoindentation of LIGA Ni for plasticity length scale parameter determination [10,11,62], nanoindentation of Al-alloys.

• MEMS/BioMEMS: Reliability of Mechatronic devices [64], Mechanisms of fatigue and fracture of LIGA Ni MEMS structures [5-10,19,23,27,62], mechanisms of fatigue failure of polysilicon MEMS resonant structures [18,20,21,26,28,58,62-64], characterization and effects of surface texture of Ti6Al4V on cell/surface interactions[33,59].
• THIN FILMS/COATINGS: Evolution of grain size and topography in Ti and Ni thin films [17], fabrication and microstructural characterization of single crystal Au, Cu, Ni and Ag, polycrystalline thin films of Ti [34] and Ti6Al4V and Au coatings for biological applications, diamond-like coatings for industrial parts [24], mechanical behavior of Fe-Cr-Al-Y bond coat in TBC coatings of turbine blades [60].
• COMPOSITES: Processing and microstructural characterization of Al₂O₃ fiber reinforced ceramics; natural fiber reinforced composites [56], fabrication and creep behavior of Ni-fiber-reinforced Al-Cu matrix composites by directional solidification of Al-Cu-Ni alloy. Fatigue and fracture of metal/polymer composites [36,61].
• CERAMICS: Processing and characterization of advanced ceramics including net-shape processing of barium and strontium aluminosilicates for electronic packaging and high-temperature-wear resistant applications[ 40,65,67-71], barium titanates for PCTR thermistor applications [38], barium cerates for hydrogen sensor applications. Fabrication of high-temperature 2223 superconductors (powder-in-tube, PIT method) [42].
• SUPERALLOYS/HSLA ALLOYS: Fatigue crack growth of cast gamma titanium aluminide [35], creep behavior of nearly lamellar -Ti-Al intermetallic [34], creep properties and strengthening mechanisms of Nb-Ti based alloys [31] and corrosion fatigue of HSLA steels [66].

• WELDING: Welding of metallic nanoparticles on single crystal films [41,43-44], and microstructure and fatigue properties of ultrasonically welded Al sheets [12].