The project relates to pattern formation in a microfluidic network due to reacting and diffusing species. The objective is to estimate conditions under which Turing instabilities emerge in microfluidic networks. It involves mathematical modeling and computation.
Reference: Van Gorder RA. 2021 A theory of pattern formation for reaction–diffusion systems on temporal networks. Proc.R.Soc.A477: 20200753. https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2020.0753
We have developed a house-hold scale (16 litre), water purification device, based on nanoparticle-impregnated activated carbon (AC) composite, for disinfection of drinking water. It works by killing of microorganisms by metallic nanoparticles in the composite, whilst the AC part of the composite removes other organic and inorganic pollutants from water. This gives clean, drinking water, in our gravity-driven device, which does not need any electricity to flow water or kill microbes, as in a UV-lamp of a traditional filter, thereby saving energy.
Continuous monitoring of water quality parameters, like total dissolved solids, heavy metals, inorganic ions, organic pollutants etc.is an important measurement, to ascertain quality and use of a water body. This is critical for both a flowing water-stream (river, canal) or a stagnant water-pool, like a lake. To that end, in this project, one has to work with chemical reagants, which have been tested with both synthetic and field-water samples, for various species, like arsenic, fluoride, chromium, iron etc.
In this project, the student will model the deposition process of nanoparticles onto surface of hydrogel microbeads. The deposition and synthesis is based on droplet coalescence within a microchannel. The project will involve theory and simulations.
This project will model and simulate the a radial flow chromatographic column, which has advantages of high throughput over axial column chromatography. The project will benchmark with axial chromatography to compare their performances.
The project involves developing a code for solving the Laplace equation with a free surface. The code will be used to simulate oceanic wave breaking under the potential flow approximation. Consider the project only if :
You are interested in programming & numerical computations.
Reference:
The deformation of steep surface waves on water - I. A numerical method of computation - Longuet-Higgins & Cokelet, Proc. Roy. Soc. 1976
The work is computational and mathematical in nature. It involves developing a Boundary Integral code for solving the Laplace equation with a free-surface. The code will be used to simulate the breaking of capillary-gravity waves in the ocean under the potential flow approximation. Consider the project only if:
Enjoy programming.
Problem Statement: Battery modules composed of series–parallel cell assemblies exhibit non-uniform ageing due to current imbalance, thermal gradients, and heterogeneous operating histories. Conventional models used in battery management systems inadequately capture coupled electrochemical–thermal degradation across cells under realistic, variable charge–discharge cycles. This limits accurate life prediction, safe operation, and degradation-aware control at the module level.
Problem Statement: Industrial BESS energy management systems typically rely on simplified aging assumptions, treating battery degradation as proportional to energy throughput and neglecting operating-condition dependence. Such simplifications lead to aggressive charging and discharging strategies that reduce battery lifetime and distort the true economic value of storage, particularly under variable tariffs, temperatures, and industrial load profiles.
Radial flow chromatography has emerged as an application of choice for high-throughput separation in the biopharma industry. This project will seek to model such columns and compare performance with standard axial chromatographic columns.