We develop new modeling and computer-based simulation techniques to address of problems in mechanical and biomedical engineering. We specialize on interface problems. These include classical interfacial mechanics and problems at the interface of engineering and biology. Particular research interests include Computational Mechanics, Complex Fluids, Phase-field Methods, Biomechanics, Tumor-growth modeling, and Multiphase Flow.
We have developed high fidelity computational methods for the interaction of solids and multiphase flows with surface tension effects. This research allows to study, e.g., elastocapillarity a process whereby capillary forces deform a solid. Elastocapillarity is crucial in many science and engineering problems at small scales, such as micro-fabrication. This research has also opened new perspectives in the intriguing process of droplet durotaxis, a recently-discovered phenomenon whereby liquid droplets move spontaneously on a solid substrate with spatial variations in stiffness.
We develop highly efficient computational methods for multiphysics problems. Our interests include fluid-structure interaction, multiphase flows, and isogeometric methods. We are also active in the development of entropy-stable and thermodynamically consistent time integration schemes.
We develop computational methods to study the fundamental mechanisms of tumor growth. Our research goes from studying basic scientific problems problems in tumor angiogenesis or cellular migration to predicting prostate cancer growth on a patient-specific basis.