Multiscale Computational Design of Materials: from nature to engineer
Zhao Qin, Syracuse University
Abstract: Natural materials exhibit many fascinating functions (e.g., strength, low density, self-assembly, toughness, impact isolation) that take place at multiple scale levels. It is useful to decipher the mechanisms hidden behind and use them to improve the mechanics of engineering designs including strong nanostructure, tough polymer and flexible armor. In this talk, I will introduce my recent study in multiscale computational modeling of several biological materials of mechanical advantages including cytoskeleton networks, silk, butterfly wings and lobster membranes. I will demonstrate how to use multiscale computational models to investigate their unique structure-mechanics relationships in a bottom-up manner. I will also discuss the opportunities of integrating computational modeling with experimental characterizations and scanning for bio-mimicking designs, as well as development of 3D printing techniques for fast prototyping. I will illustrate how these different techniques can work collectively for innovative designs with multiple advanced functionalities.
Biosketch: Dr. Zhao Qin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Syracuse University. He graduated from the Department of Engineering Mechanics at Tsinghua University with Bachelor and Master Degrees in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He then went to MIT and received his PhD degree from Civil and Environmental Engineering department in 2012. After that, he worked as a postdoc associate and teaching fellow and then a research scientist till 2019. His study focuses on material by design which generally covers advanced mechanical properties of nano and biological materials. By revealing how the chemical structures relate to mechanical and biological functions of biological materials via multiscale computational modeling, he designs functional materials accordingly for engineering applications. Besides computational modeling, He has been working on developing methods for additive manufacturing of materials with desired microstructures, associated with lightweight and high strength and toughness.
1. J. Wu, Z. Qin, et al., (2019) “Natural hydrogel in American lobster: a soft armour with high toughness and strength”, Acta Biomaterialia.
2. Z. Qin, et al., (2017), “The mechanics and design of a lightweight three-dimensional graphene assembly”, Science Advances, Vol 3, paper #: e1601536
3. S. Ling, Z. Qin, et al., (2017), “Design and function of biomimetic multilayer water purification membranes”, Science Advances, Vol. 3, paper #: e1601939
4. Z. Qin, et al., (2015), “Structural optimization of 3D-printed synthetic spider webs for high strength”, Nature Communications, Vol. 6, paper #: 7038
5. Z. Qin and M. J. Buehler, (2013), “Impact tolerance in mussel thread networks by heterogeneous material distribution”, Nature Communications, Vol. 4, paper #: 2187
Zhao Qin, Syracuse University
Abstract: Natural materials exhibit many fascinating functions (e.g., strength, low density, self-assembly, toughness, impact isolation) that take place at multiple scale levels. It is useful to decipher the mechanisms hidden behind and use them to improve the mechanics of engineering designs including strong nanostructure, tough polymer and flexible armor. In this talk, I will introduce my recent study in multiscale computational modeling of several biological materials of mechanical advantages including cytoskeleton networks, silk, butterfly wings and lobster membranes. I will demonstrate how to use multiscale computational models to investigate their unique structure-mechanics relationships in a bottom-up manner. I will also discuss the opportunities of integrating computational modeling with experimental characterizations and scanning for bio-mimicking designs, as well as development of 3D printing techniques for fast prototyping. I will illustrate how these different techniques can work collectively for innovative designs with multiple advanced functionalities.
Biosketch: Dr. Zhao Qin is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Syracuse University. He graduated from the Department of Engineering Mechanics at Tsinghua University with Bachelor and Master Degrees in 2006 and 2008, respectively. He then went to MIT and received his PhD degree from Civil and Environmental Engineering department in 2012. After that, he worked as a postdoc associate and teaching fellow and then a research scientist till 2019. His study focuses on material by design which generally covers advanced mechanical properties of nano and biological materials. By revealing how the chemical structures relate to mechanical and biological functions of biological materials via multiscale computational modeling, he designs functional materials accordingly for engineering applications. Besides computational modeling, He has been working on developing methods for additive manufacturing of materials with desired microstructures, associated with lightweight and high strength and toughness.
1. J. Wu, Z. Qin, et al., (2019) “Natural hydrogel in American lobster: a soft armour with high toughness and strength”, Acta Biomaterialia.
2. Z. Qin, et al., (2017), “The mechanics and design of a lightweight three-dimensional graphene assembly”, Science Advances, Vol 3, paper #: e1601536
3. S. Ling, Z. Qin, et al., (2017), “Design and function of biomimetic multilayer water purification membranes”, Science Advances, Vol. 3, paper #: e1601939
4. Z. Qin, et al., (2015), “Structural optimization of 3D-printed synthetic spider webs for high strength”, Nature Communications, Vol. 6, paper #: 7038
5. Z. Qin and M. J. Buehler, (2013), “Impact tolerance in mussel thread networks by heterogeneous material distribution”, Nature Communications, Vol. 4, paper #: 2187
