PhD Research on Advanced Materials for Energy, Aerospace, Space, and Nuclear Applications
Explore AI and physics-based methods to predict and design materials for extreme environments. Conduct experimental and computational research on material failure, additive manufacturing, and electrochemical techniques for critical materials recovery in space applications.
AI-generated overview
Project Description
Project Overview
This research opportunity covers advanced materials development for energy, aerospace, space, and nuclear sectors. The projects include AI/ML-guided materials discovery, modeling and failure analysis, additive manufacturing of multifunctional materials, and electrochemical processing for space mining.
What You Will Do
- Develop computational models using AI/ML, molecular dynamics, and DFT for materials prediction.
- Analyze failure mechanisms in materials using finite element analysis and experimental validation.
- Fabricate and characterize multifunctional materials using additive manufacturing and various material testing techniques.
- Explore sustainable electrochemical recovery and processing of critical materials from ores, e-waste, and lunar regolith.
- Design and test 3D-printed electrodes for electrochemical energy conversion applications.
Expected Outcomes
Students will contribute to accelerating materials discovery for extreme environments, deepen understanding of mechanical failure mechanisms, optimize advanced manufacturing processes, and develop sustainable methods for critical material recovery suited for space applications.
Why This Matters
The research addresses critical needs in energy and aerospace industries, including sustainable resource extraction for space exploration and the development of materials capable of withstanding extreme conditions, which are essential for advancing technology and supporting in-situ resource utilization in off-Earth environments.
Entry Requirements
How to Apply
Eligibility
Supervisor Profile
Dr. Md Ariful Ahsan is an Associate Professor of Research at the Aerospace Center, UTEP. His expertise lies in advanced materials for energy and aerospace applications, employing computational modeling and experimental methods. He has a significant research impact in the development of electrocatalysts and multifunctional materials and leads projects at the intersection of materials science and aerospace engineering.