Multiscale computational methods bridging models at micro-scale with macro-properties is a problem of practical significance. Probability distribution functions (PDFs) providing a complete representation of microstructural variability in 3D polycrystalline materials using limited information is difficult to obtain since this inverse problem is highly ill-posed. We use the maximum entropy (MaxEn...

Hot embossed microstructures fabricated by laboratory and commercial environments have been studied. The laboratory process uses silicon with micropyramid patterns as the mold insert. Fine replication by using Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) has been achieved. The commercial process uses electroplated nickel as the mold insert. Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), which has a lower glass transition point t...

Since the finite element approximations of microstructures are strongly mesh dependent, the use of the mesh transformation method based on the energy minimizing principle is considered a natural approach in the finite element computation of microstructures. However, without a control on the mesh quality, the mesh can become increasingly irregular in the process of energy minimization and thus j...

The fabrication of multi-level SU-8 microstructures using multiple coating and exposure steps and a single developing step has been achieved for up to six layers of SU-8. Alternating layers of SU-8 2010 (thin) and SU-8 2100 (thick) photoresist films were spin coated, followed by soft-bake, ultraviolet (UV) exposure and post-exposure bake steps. The multiple SU-8 layers were simultaneously devel...

The ability to manipulate the movement of surface microstructures is essential for the development of dynamic, responsive materials. We demonstrate that in addition to bulk actuation upon drying, a unique type of highly localized, directional actuation can be achieved when microstructures embedded in pH responsive gel are exposed to pH gradients. Theory and modelling elucidates the underlying m...

In this report, a technique for rapid synthesis of ZnO microstructures by microwave-assisted heating of precursors at hydrothermal conditions is demonstrated. Further, the reaction mechanism for the growth of ZnO microstructures is analyzed. An accelerated rate of reaction obtained using microwaves enables a dissolution-recrystallization mechanism for generation of one dimensional (1D) rod-like...

In this paper, we will highlight the current research which employs the topology optimization to extensional transducers, and porous material microstructures with unusual thermoelastic properties. These examples demonstrate that the topology optimization problem in...

In this paper we employ the periodic unfolding method for simulating the electromagnetic field in a composite material exhibiting heterogeneous microstructures which are described by spatially periodic parameters. We consider cell problems to calculate the effective parameters for a Debye dielectric medium in the cases of circular and square microstructures in two dimensions. We assume that the...

The discovery of soft, transparent microstructures in dinosaur bone consistent in morphology with osteocytes was controversial. We hypothesize that, if original, these microstructures will have molecular features in common with extant osteocytes. We present immunological and mass spectrometry evidence for preservation of proteins comprising extant osteocytes (Actin, Tubulin, PHEX, Histone H4) i...

La0.6Sr0.4Co0.2Fe0.8O3−δ (LSCF) powders with different particle sizes, synthesized through a citrate complexation method and a gel-casting technique, are used to fabricate porous LSCF cathodes with graded microstructures via tape casting. To create porous electrodes with desired porosity and pore structures, graphite and starch are used as pore former for different layers of the graded cathode....