Experimental and Analytical Thermomechanics

Research focus is on experimental and analytical thermomechanics and contact problems, with some computational work added where useful, or simply for the fun of it.

All of our experimental, theoretical and computational work begins with an analytical identification of failure modes and dimensional analyses.

• Thermomechanics of pad scratching in Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP).
• Testing mechanical behavior of lead-free solder and printed-circuit board (PCB) contacts using a novel Isotraction Bump Pull (IBP) method.
• Thermomechanics of lipid bilayers – experiments with theoretical modeling.
• Thermomechanics of frictional contacts – theoretical model.
• Wear of gem coatings against implant materials – experiments with theoretical modeling.
• Corrosion study of metal-on-metal total hip replacements at the femoral head/neck interface – experiments with theoretical modeling.
• Coordinate transformation of thin lubricant film for any contact shape – theoretical model.

 Other Projects

Wear Debris Characterization Using Bio-Ferrography

The morphology of wear particulates from total joint replacements (hip and knee) are examined using a ferrographic analysis and technique for liquids such as bovine serum used in experiments of artificial joint components in joint simulators. To capture and separate the ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) debris using ferrography, particles are marginally magnetized through a special technique.

Biofilm Adhesion and Growth Experiments

Using PDMS microchannels, AgPDMS microheaters, hydrogel valves and quantum dots, experiments performed to examine the growth and detection of biofilms from bacteria in fluid samples and on surfaces, using non-pathogenic E. coli K-12.

The Effects of Aging on Rubber

Results from experiments are being used to develop a scaling model to describe the effects of variations in parameters on the aging of rubber, particularly rubber used in seals. The parameters include changes in elastic moduli, crack propagation, and surface roughness as the rubber ages.

A Metal-on-Metal Mechanical Seal

In experiments, variations of the effects of surface roughness, load, and contact half-width are being used to determine the appropriate torques required to mitigate leaking without damaging the contacting surfaces.

Equipment for Tribological Analyses

Bio-Ferrograph used for wear debris characterization and particle separation and detection

 

Close-up View

 

Linear Tribometer used for wear and friction testing

 

 

Linear Tribometer Inside View