CAREER - Engineering Applications of Magnetic Resonance Microscopy (MRM) to Porous Media Structure and Transport

Montana State University, Bozeman MT

Investigators

Abstract

National Science Foundation - Division of Chemical &Transport Systems Particulate & Multiphase Processes Program (1415) ABSTRACT Proposal Number: 0642328 Principal Investigator: Codd, Sarah L. Affiliation: Montana State University Proposal Title: CAREER: Engineering Applications of magnetic Resonance Microscopy (MRM) to Porous Media Structure and Transport Intellectual Merit Magnetic resonance microscopy (MRM) can investigate flow, diffusion, and spatial variations in matter on spatial scales of the order of 10 m (spatially resolved) or 10 nm (bulk measurements of molecular motion) and over timescales ranging from 10 s to 1s. Porous material structures to be studied will range from the hydrogel extra-cellular polymeric substance (EPS) of biofilms, to membranes, to novel advanced ceramics and model porous beadpacks. Studies will measure active nuclei concentration, velocity, diffusion and magnetic relaxation within these materials, characterizing structure through porosity and tortuosity, as well as quantifying transport. The research plan allows for the continuation and expansion of a current program in biofilms and membranes and the initiation and growth of research in ceramics and polymer transport in porous media, whilst expanding on integration with teaching activities. Broader Impacts Rich interdisciplinary research experiences will be provided for graduate students in a blossoming career field. A graduate and professional undergraduate elective course entitled Ways for engineers to see non-destructive visualization for materials science" will be developed and a portable Earths Field Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) apparatus will be integrated into undergraduate and outreach programs. The overall program will aim to provide unique insight regarding the physics of societally important materials at the forefront of current materials science development. Integration with education aims to increase students' and the broader community's awareness of the interdisciplinary nature of materials science research and exciting research applications demonstrate the necessity of engineering education to further advancements for society.