My research goal is to develop first principles frameworks to interrogate multiphase, multiscale systems. One of my main focus areas is to consistently deconstruct highly nonequilibrium problems into their fundamental components. By using analytical, computational and experimental tools to grasp the key levers controlling such phenomenon, I aim to build pipelines of research projects from a foundation upwards approach. Specifically, my work addresses the key thermodynamic, instability, and molecular mechanisms that drive the nonequilibrium evolution of mechanical phenomenon. In many cases, these problems defy straightforward description because nanoscale effects cannot be assumed to ``average out". Instead, features at the smallest length and time scales often provide vital, deterministic contributions to the system at large. By adopting a nano-to-macro mode of analysis, I seek to formulate ab-initio design and diagnostic principles to control these systems. This paves the way for collaborative conceptualization, validation and application of novel process-structure-function paradigms in the development of diagnostic platforms that forecast cardiovascular disease; the fine, predictive control of engineered surfaces to control the adjacent fluid phase; and the rational design of heat transfer systems based on nonlinear thermodynamic frameworks.

Creator

• Zhao, Tom

DOI

• https://doi.org/10.21985/n2-6657-be04

Subject

• Applied physics

Language

• en

Alternate Identifier

• etdadmin_upload_845599
• http://dissertations.umi.com/northwestern:15777

Keyword

• Applied Math
• Nonequilibrium Thermodynamics
• Phase Instability
• Statistical Mechanics
• Molecular Dynamics

Date created

• 2021-01-01

Resource type

• Dissertation

Rights statement

• In Copyright