Predictive modeling of multifunctional composites

Multifunctional materials can be stimulated by and response to multiple external fields and serve several functions. For example, conformal antennas on an airplane use multifunctional materials of sufficient structural strength, ultra-light weight as well as desirable electromagnetic properties; biomedical devices such as stents require fatigue resistance, bio-compatibility and the ability to perform an actuation task, such as supporting weak points in arteries. They are now indispensable in modern industrial and military systems for their efficient multi-actuating, multi-sensing, self-adaptivity, etc.

We are currently developing predictive models for various functional composites and investigating how to engineer microstructures to realized desired functionalities.