Thermodynamics and Kinetics Group

Welcome

The Thermodynamics and Kinetics Group was founded in 2005 to attack some of the outstanding challenges in materials microstructure/property prediction and control. The goal is to develop measurement science and data that prove of significant value to industry. The group's research ranges over a wide scope of materials phenomenon employing a variety of experimental, theoretical and computational techniques. Particular focus in the group is given to the application of thermodynamic principles and derived kinetic models to quantify the behavior of industrially useful materials during their fabrication (processing) as well as their properties while in service. The group employs finely controlled, carefully designed measurement techniques coupled with state-of-the-art modeling to determine the essential controlling variables governing materials properties.

 Picture of James A Warren

James Warren,
Group Leader
Group Competence
Phase Field Modeling
CALPHAD Thermodynamic Methods
Atomistic Scale First Principles Modeling
Diffusion, Solidification, Surface energy driven Processes
DTA/X‐ray Diffraction/Microscopy/Wetting Balance/Metals Processing

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Programs/Projects
Atomistic Potentials and the Future of Nanomaterials Metrology — We will provide researchers and designers with a database of evaluated interatomic potentials for metals and alloys; thermodynamic, kinetic, and mechanical materials properties generated for …
 
Electrochemistry of semiconductors & metal-macromolecule interfaces —  Our goal is to provide industry with test structures and models of next-generation photovoltaics, with an initial focus on CdTe and CuInxGa1-xSe2 (CIS or CIGS) materials. These tools …
 
Lead-Free Surface Finishes for Electronic Components: Tin Whisker Growth — This project will provide data and materials measurements necessary to improve the reliability of solder interconnects degraded by the switch to lead-free technology. In particular, the state of …
 
Metrics for Reactive Wetting in Complex Systems — For processes involving wetting between two materials, classically defined metrics such as surface or interface energy and contact angle are only a starting point for understanding the dynamic …
 
Thermodynamic & Kinetic Data for Sustainable Energy — Industry needs thermodynamic and kinetic data for the development of new materials for sustainable energy applications; expanded and new databases are needed for experimental and computational …