research

2D materials are fascinating for numerous reasons. Their geometrical and mechanical characteristics along with other associated physical properties have opened up fascinating new application avenues ranging from electronics, energy harvesting, biological systems among others. Due to the 2D nature of these materials, they are known for their unusual flexibility and the ability to sustain large curvature deformations. Further, they undergo noticeable thermal fluctuations at room temperature.

A PhD/masters position is available in AMMI Lab at University of Hawaii at Manoa in the field of surgical robotics. Interested and outstanding candidates should visit my website at http://uhatmanoa.wixsite.com/ammi. Information about general admission process could be found on http://uhatmanoa.wixsite.com/ammi/prospective-students.

We demonstrate intersting extension-torsion-inflation coupling in intrinsically twisted chiral tubes. In particular, we show that by tuning its intrinsic twist and the material constants, such tubes can show negative poison effect on being stretched. Similarly, such tubes can overwind initially when stretched - the same unusual behavior has been reported earlier when a DNA molecule is stretched.

Cross-linked liquid crystalline polymers (LCPs) are smart materials for large light-activated variation or bend to transfer luminous energy into mechanical energy. We study the light-induced behavior of homeotropic nematic network polymer plates. The perturbation method is applied to find approximate solutions under uniform illumination and compared with finite element simulations. Moreover, situations of nonuniform laser illumination are investigated.

Inspired by the need to develop reconfigurable materials at the micro- and nano- scales that are capable of exhibiting more than one stable configuration, we employed both theoretical and computational models supported by experiments to study the multistable behavior of a Si/Cr microclaw and uncover the mechanical principles involved.

PhD positions are available from Fall 2017, in Michigan Technological University, in Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Department. The candidates are to work in the computational modeling of multiphysics behavior of polymer materials, high rate fracture response of gel like tissue mimicking materials or Design of microarchitectured polymer composites for improved functionality. Interested candidates can email their CV with relevant information at -tsain[AT]mtu.edu

Candidates with background in continuum mechanics, finite elements and materials modeling are preferred.

Self-healing materials can repair damage caused by mechanical wear, thereby extending lifetime of devices. Here, a transparent, self-healing, highly stretchable ionic conductor is presented that autonomously heals after experiencing severe mechanical damage.