Consider a chemical reactor like a PFR. In the usual, forward problem, taught in CRE courses, you are given the input flow rate and reactant concentration, along with kinetic reaction-rate information, and asked to predict the output concentration or conversion. But suppose, instead, that the conversion is measured experimentally and you are asked to use a model to estimate the input flow rate or input concentration. This is an inverse problem. Such problems arise when using specialized research reactors to determine chemical kinetics information.

Our group works on building computational models for self-organization in biological systems across scales with a vision of writing down the design principles of functional biomaterials. We use multiple tools of engineering and applied physics as the problem in hand needs. The specific problem will be decided based on the mutual interest of the student and the PI. 

Objective is to determine the critical condition for meandering instability of air flow in a granular bed.

Objective is to quantify the segregation behaviour of cohesive and non-cohesive powders during vertical flow under different air-flow conditions.

Incorporating particle-level correlations for heat/mass transfer and thermal buoyancy based on Boussenisq approximation into two-way coupled direct numerical simulations (DNS) (an advanced CFD technique) to study the fluid and particle phase dynamics. 

Objective: Incorporating particle-level correlations for heat/mass transfer and thermal buoyancy based on Boussenisq approximation into two-way coupled direct numerical simulations (DNS) (an advance CFD technique) for particle-laden flows to study the turbulence modulation and particle clustering. 

Our group works on unexcitable and excitable biomemetic cells, made up of Giant Unilamellar Vesicles using experiments, theory and simulation as well. The objective in these works is to understand the complex multiphysics in these systems involving hydrodynamics, electrostatics and kinetics and membrane mechanics. In the past, we have conducted studies on electroporation and excitation of these systems.

The project would deal with intensification of unit operations such as desalting of crude oil or air cleaning or phase transitions using strong electric fields. The student would be conducting experiments, simulations and theory. The simulations would be based on COMSOL multiphysics, while the experiments will involve videography and microscopy. The aim is to made new observations at microscopic levels and harness them for process intensification at industrial scale. The group has in the past demonstrated such approach for desalters and air-cleaners.

Organ-on-chip technologies are emerging as important tools for creating realistic laboratory models of human tissues, with applications in drug testing and disease studies. This project aims to design, fabricate, and experimentally validate microfluidic organ-on-chip platforms that mimic essential features of real tissues. The work will involve computer-aided design of microscale devices, soft-lithography or laser-based fabrication, basic material and surface characterization, and operation of microfluidic systems under controlled flow conditions.

With increased penetration of renewable electricity from wind and solar, that modern electricity grid is expected to be more dynamic as it actively responds to supply and demand of renewable electricity. In this scenario, redox flow batteries are seen as a key technology for longer-term energy storage (time ≥ 4 hours). This SLP is an opportunity to perform a review of various chemistries for flow batteries, compute the levelized cost of storage and determine the key limiting factors that prevent widespread commercialization of this technology.