Join us tomorrow for a seminar to be presented by Dr. Mohammad Ghashami, associate professor, mechanical and industrial engineering department, the University of Illinois Chicago. Please see abstract and biography below.
Abstract:
As devices and systems shrink to the micro- and nanoscale, the way heat moves fundamentally changes, challenging conventional engineering approaches and
opening new frontiers in energy transport and conversion. At these scales, the classical
assumptions of conduction, convection, and radiation break down, revealing intricate interactions between energy carriers that govern thermal behavior in unprecedented ways. These effects are not just scientific curiosities but also the key to transformative advancements in micro/nanoelectronics, thermal management, energy harvesting, and even space exploration. In this seminar, we will explore the physics of nanoscale thermal transport, highlighting how these emerging phenomena diverge from macroscopic expectations and enable unprecedented control over heat flow. A particular focus will be on experimental investigations of radiative heat transfer in the near field and sub-continuum gas conduction. We will also discuss the design and engineering of novel materials with tailored thermal properties, paving the way for next-generation energy technologies. By developing a deeper understanding of nanoscale heat transfer, we can engineer materials and systems that redefine energy efficiency and thermal management. What was once an invisible and elusive aspect of physics is now at the forefront of innovation, shaping the next generation of engineering applications.
Bio:
Mohammad Ghashami is an associate professor in the mechanical and industrial engineering department at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), where he directs the Chicago Energy Engineering and Thermal Applications (Cheeta) laboratory. His research endeavors are dedicated to understanding the fundamental mechanisms of nanoscale energy transport, and exploiting their unique properties to forge new engineering applications, such as solid-state energy conversion systems to advanced micro/nanoelectromechanical systems (M/NEMS) actuators. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Utah in 2019. He received the NSF Early CAREER award in 2023, and his research has been supported by various funding sources, including NSF-EQUATE, NASA-EPSCoR, and the Department of Transportation (DOT), among others.
Light refreshments will be provided.
