Molecular simulations provide an atomic-level view of the oil-water interface, revealing how surfactants and ions reduce interfacial tension to mobilize trapped crude. By modeling these nanoscopic interactions, researchers can optimize Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) strategies by predicting how chemical formulations will behave under specific reservoir pressures and temperatures. This computational insight allows for the design of more efficient displacement fluids, bridging the gap between theoretical chemistry and field-scale production.

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. Some example problems are: 

i) Developing a mechanical model of a tissue to engineer it's deformation based on chemical pattern.

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.