College of Engineering Research Seminar
When:
- Friday, April 17, 2015 from 3:10pm to 4:00pm
Where:
- Roberts Hall - view map
Description:
-
Adie Phillips, Civil Engineering
Microbially-induced CaCO3 precipitation: engineering applications
Microbially-induced calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation (MICP) is a widely explored and promising technology for use in various engineering applications. CaCO3 precipitation induced via urea hydrolysis (ureolysis) can be used to improve construction materials, cement porous media, and remediate environmental concerns. In this presentation, MICP will be described as a method to mitigate subsurface leakage pathways by sealing high permeability regions such as fractures. In addition, high pressure testing equipment located in the MSU College of Engineering will be highlighted.
Stephen Sofie, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
Stabilization of nanometer metallic microstructures for enhancing thermal stability of electro-catalysts.
Coarsening of nano-metal particulate at elevated temperatures is a significant impediment to the efficiency and longevity of numerous catalyst and energy conversion/storage systems that utilize high temperature electrochemical processes. While 10-50 nanometer nickel catalysts have been synthesized by solution precursor methods, rapid coarsening of high surface area particulate readily degrades both catalysis and percolation. The stabilization of nano-scale nickel electro-catalysts at high temperatures, up to 850C, provides an opportunity to enhance the performance of non-noble metal catalysts. Utilizing a model electro-catalyst system of nickel metal-stabilized zirconium oxide doped with aluminum and titanium oxides we have identified a novel approach to increase the thermal stability of infiltrated nickel by fostering chemical reactions or ‘anchors’ at the catalyst/support interface. The mechanisms and specific species that confer enhanced catalyst stability through localized reactions are not well understood, however the performance impact can be readily demonstrated. In this talk a brief overview of high temperature electrochemical catalysts will be reported as well as catalytic performance enhancements conferred by the secondary phase ‘anchors.' Further, advanced characterization results from x-ray diffraction, Raman Spectroscopy, and electron microscopy will be presented to identify the key thrusts of this research activity.
Mark Owkes, Mechanical and Industrial Engineering
The study of gas-liquid multiphase flows using high-performance computing
An overview of high-performance computing, numerical methods, and how these tools are used to advance our understanding of multiphase flows will be presented. The talk will focus on the applications of fuel atomization and gas-liquid flow in a fuel cell.
Cost:
FREE
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