Research Interests

Microstructure Evolution Modelling

Numerical modelling of phase transformations during solidification and thermo-mechanical heat treatments in multicomponent alloys, grounded in thermodynamic and kinetic theory.

Diffusion Kinetics

Investigation of solute and vacancy diffusion in multicomponent alloys using atomistic simulations, with a focus on complex local chemical environments and solute trapping effects.

Thermodynamic Stability

Theoretical study of stability of non-equilibrium phases, phase separation, and ordering in disordered solid solutions using DFT, statistical mechanics, and CALPHAD methods.

AI for Materials

Implementation of machine learning potentials and data-driven techniques for the design and optimisation of advanced structural materials.

Selected Projects

2022–2025

Atom Clustering and Precipitation Kinetics in 6xxx Aluminium Alloys (PhD)

Developed a multiscale framework coupling vacancy evolution with cluster dynamics to simulate solute clustering during multistage ageing. Applied MC-based simulated annealing to derive cluster formation and vacancy trapping energies, revealing how quenching rate controls natural-ageing hardening kinetics.

2021–2024

KMC Simulations of Early-Stage Solute Clustering

Built an ML interatomic bond model for Al–Mg–Si and improved the KRA scheme for vacancy migration barriers. Large-scale KMC simulations clarified the interplay between solute clustering and vacancy trapping during natural ageing.

2023–2024

Vacancy Diffusion Under Solute Trapping in Dilute Alloys

Combined DFT calculations, KMC simulations, and a physics-based analytical model to predict vacancy diffusion coefficients as a function of temperature and solute concentration.

2023

Phase Separation in Al–Cu–Sc Alloys Under Excess Vacancies

Used special quasi-random structures and DFT to construct free-energy curves and investigate vacancy-mediated phase transformation pathways.

2018–2021

Dendritic Growth with Sedimentation in Alloy Melts (M.Eng.)

Integrated phase-field modelling of dendritic solidification with the lattice Boltzmann method for fluid–structure interaction and melt convection.