Assistant Professor
Center for Iron and Steelmaking Research
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Pittsburgh, PA 15213-3890
Phone: (412) 268-2675
Fax: (412) 268-7247
Email: sridhars@andrew.cmu.edu
RESEARCH INTERESTS:
Processing of metals: Experimental and computational studies of extraction, refining and casting of metals such as steel, aluminium and Ni-based superalloys. Experimental work includes in situ observations and thermophysical property measurements for process modeling. Computational work includes multi-scale modeling by combining micro-models: of (i) kinetic phenomenon, (ii) thermodynamics and (iii) thermophysical properties with continuum models of heat transfer and fluid flow.
Structure and property relations in molten slags and fluxes: Study the physical chemistry of multi-component molten slags and fluxes used in metallurgical processes. Specifically, quantify the effects of various ionic-and polymeric structural units on thermophysical properties (e.g. viscosity, thermal conductivity, interfacial tension etc.) that are pertinent for proper performance in industrial processes. Experimental methods include structural characterization through e.g. Raman spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction and thermophysical measurements such as viscometry and thermal analysis.
High temperature electrochemistry: Study high temperature electrochemical phenomenon relevant to (i) electrochemical pathways of metal extraction and refining and (ii) the development of high-temperature electrochemical devices such as oxygen sensors, gas separators and solid-oxide-fuel cells.