Spirals take the spotlight

In an article published very recently in the journal Small, we investigate the origins of certain eutectics that grow into spiral geometry. The spiral formation follows a two‐step process, wherein the first step is mediated by the low solid–liquid interfacial energy of a precursor phase, and the second step by crystallographic defects on the precursor. The cover at right features a computed X‐ray nano‐tomography image of spiral eutectics in Mg‐Zn alloy showing multiple spiral eutectic colonies with the eutectic MgZn2 and Zn phases shown in dark and light false colors (image courtesy of H. Bale). Way to go Saman, Yeqing, and coworkers!

'“As molten metal alloys cool, solid structures begin to form internally as small atomic clusters crystallize. By fine-tuning the cooling conditions, researchers can steer these crystallization mechanisms to produce a range of different structures in solid materials. Particularly intriguing structures can arise through non-equilibrium cooling – including “spiral eutectics”, which arise in mixtures of two or more solid metal phases. These materials can spontaneously self-arrange themselves into spirals resembling a DNA helix …”

Read more at Physics World  →

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A productive year for the team

We have been working very hard this year, the result of which is a number of new publications available online! Here are some highlights: Ning (left) presented his published research at the Microscopy and Microanalysis annual meeting. Saman (right), too, showcased his work at the UM Chemical Engineering Graduate Symposium, for which he won an award for the “Best Oral Presentation.” Several other students (center) have conducted synchrotron imaging experiments at Argonne, Brookhaven, and Rutherford Appleton Laboratory. We can’t wait to present results from some of these new projects at the upcoming MRS symposium MT06, to be chaired by Prof. Shahani! See you soon in Boston.

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Prof. Shahani wins NSF CAREER award

Shahani’s proposal "Microstructure Formation in Chemically-Modified Eutectics: Bridging Real-Time Imaging, Machine Learning, and Problem-Based Instruction” has been selected by the National Science Foundation Division of Materials Research (NSF DMR) to receive an award from the Faculty Early Career Development Program (CAREER). CAREER recognizes junior faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education.

Prof. Shahani’s research is in the field of eutectic solidification. As he explains, “Most of our theories in binary eutectic solidification rely on simple two-component systems, such as aluminum (Al)-silicon (Si) alloys. How do we generalize microstructure formation to multicomponent systems? The goal of this research project is to bring us closer to understanding alloys of technological importance which involve a cocktail of metallic elements beyond Al and Si.” With the NSF CAREER Award, Shahani can now hire more students at the Ph.D. level to carry out the research. The award also supports the development of an outreach solidification science program dedicated to engaging underrepresented middle school students, in partnership with the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).

Read more at The University of Michigan  →

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