Positions Available

Research Activities

Overview

My research interests focus primarily on modeling the dynamics of particulate and powder systems, with applications in mixing, segregation, coating, attrition, compaction, granulation, and characterization. In addition, I am interested in developing computational models for studying these systems, including discrete element method (DEM), finite element method (FEM), and compartment and population balance models. This research has been applied to systems used to process pharmaceuticals, food and consumer products, agrochemicals, and energy-related materials. Here is an article in Purdue Engineering's online Discovery magazine that discusses recent Purdue activities involving particulates.

Here is a poster summarizing my lab's focus and a few videos related to the lab's work:

In order to learn more about my research interests, I've provided a list of my graduate student thesis titles and abstracts, as well as a list of journal publications with links to abstracts. Lastly, I've summarized some of the research topics in which I'm currently involved along with my collaborators.

Theses Advised and Links to Abstracts

Student Degree and Year Title (click for abstract) Pretty Pictures
Elizabeth Foesch Thompson M.S., Purdue University, 2024, co-advised with Prof. Marcial Gonzalez (ME) Use of triaxial testing to obtain the shear failure surface in the modified Drucker-Prager Cap model
Zhengpu Chen Ph.D., Purdue University, 2022, co-advised with Prof. Kingsly Ambrose (ABE) Development and validation of a DEM-based model for predicting grain damage
Abhishek Paul Ph.D., Purdue University, 2022, co-advised with Prof. Marcial Gonzalez A continuum model for milled corn stover in a compression feed screw
Prathamesh Sankhe M.S., Purdue University, 2021 DEM Parameter Calibration Methodology for Cohesive Powders Using a Ring Shear Tester
Nathan Gasteyer M.S., Purdue University, 2020, co-advised with Prof. Marcial Gonzalez Modeling biomass transport in a compression screw feeder
Kunal Pardikar Ph.D., Purdue University, 2020 Finite Element Method (FEM) Modeling of Hopper Flow
Zhengpu Chen
(ABE Outstanding MS Student Award Winner)
M.S. in Agricultural and Biological Engineering, Purdue University, 2019, co-advised with Prof. Kingsly Ambrose Developing a Validated Model for Predicting Grain Damage using DEM
Yu Liu Ph.D., Purdue University, 2019, co-advised with Prof. Marcial Gonzalez Modeling Granular Material Mixing and Segregation Using a Finite Element Method and Advection-Diffusion-Segregation Equation Multi-scale Model
Rohit Kumar Ph.D., Purdue University, 2018 Predicting Breakage of Needle-shaped Large Aspect Ratio Particles Using the Discrete Element Method (DEM)
Shankali Pradhan Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, 2017, co-advised with Prof. Jim Litster Quality by Design in Twin Screw Granulation
Harsh Ranjan M.S., Purdue University, 2017 A Methodology for DEM Parameter Calibration
Liza Easo Ph.D., Purdue University, 2017 Liquid Dispersion In Sheared Particulate Material
Siddhartha Agarwal M.S., Purdue University, 2017 Modeling the Scaling of Intra-Tablet Coating Variability
Shrikant Swaminathan Ph.D., Purdue University, 2016 Modeling Picking on Pharmaceutical Tablets
Yu Liu M.S., Purdue University, 2016 Modifications to Johanson's Roll Compaction Model for Improved Relative Density Predictions
Nitin Khola M.S., Purdue University, 2015 Correlations for Shear-Induced Percolation in Granular Shear Flows
Xia Hua Ph.D., Purdue University, 2014 Modeling the Dynamics and Stresses of Elongated Particles in Vertical Axis Mixers
Tim Patterson M.S., Purdue University, 2014 Prediction of the Stress at the Inlet of the Nip Region in a Roll Compactor
Rahul Kumar Ph.D., Purdue University, 2014 Modeling Coating Variability in a Continuous Tablet Coating Pan
Steven Dale Ph.D. in Industrial and Physical Pharmacy, Purdue University, 2014, co-advised with Prof. Jim Litster Internal Structures of Wet Granulation Agglomerates: Measurement, Formation, and Influence on Granule Breakage
Kristine Alston M.S., Purdue University, 2012 Mechanical Property Variability in Lactose Monohydrate
Avik Sarkar Ph.D., Purdue University, 2011 Modeling a Continuous Granular Mixer Using Periodic Discrete Element Method Sub-models
Tuhin Sinha Ph.D., Purdue University, 2011 Investigation of Compaction, Young's Modulus, and Tensile Strength of Binary Powder Mixtures Using the Multi-Particle Finite Element Method (MPFEM)
Madhusudhan Kodam Ph.D., Purdue University, 2010 Attrition of Pharmaceutical Tablets
Ben Freireich Ph.D., Purdue University, 2010 A Compartmental Approach to Studying Particle Motion in Mixer/Coaters Using Discrete Element Modeling
Arjun Kalbag Ph.D., Purdue University, 2009 Modeling Inter- and Intra-tablet Coating Variability of Pan Coated Tablets
Vincent Hoon M.S. in Computer Science, Purdue University, 2007, co-advised with Prof. Ananth Grama Visualization of Discrete Element Method Simulations
(The ParticleVis code.)
Alexis Dechelette M.S., Purdue University, 2007, co-advised with Prof. Paul Sojka Shear-thinning Drops Impacting Flat Surfaces
Rahul Bharadwaj Ph.D., Purdue University, 2006 Dilute Granular Flow around Immersed Obstacles
William Ketterhagen Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, 2006, co-advised with Prof. Jennifer Curtis Modeling Granular Segregation during Hopper Discharge
Jose Cordova M.S., Purdue University, 2005 Dilute Granular Flow around an Immersed Cylinder and Oblique Granular Shock Waves
Bradley Pederson M.S., Purdue University, 2005, co-advised with Prof. Farshid Sadeghi The Influence of Cage Flexibility on Bearing Dynamics and Performance
Matthew Duncan M.S., Purdue University, 2004, co-advised with Prof. Chuck Krousgrill An Investigation into the Damping Performance of Single and Multiple Particle Impact Dampers
Nicholas Prenger M.S., Purdue University, 2003, co-advised with Prof. Farshid Sadeghi Modeling the Dynamics of Rolling Element Bearings using ADAMS
Niranjan Ghaisas M.S., Purdue University, 2003, co-advised with Prof. Farshid Sadeghi Dynamics of Cylindrical and Tapered Rolling Element Bearings using the Discrete Element Method
Atul Aphale M.S., Purdue University, 2003 Segregation of Granular Fertizliers from a Spinner Spreader
Junyoung Park Ph.D., Purdue University, 2003 Modeling the Dynamics of Fabric in Rotating Horizontal Drums
Nathan Bolander M.S., Purdue University, 2002, co-advised with Prof. Farshid Sadeghi An Experimental Investigation of Thrust Washer Lubrication
Sanga Reddy Peerreddy M.S., Purdue University, 2002 Modeling Particle-laden Viscous Flows using an Eulerian-Lagrangian Approach
Nagendra Shishodia M.S., Purdue University, 2001 Segregation due to Particle-induced Buoyant Forces in Granular Systems
Vishal Saheta M.S., Purdue University, 2001, co-advised with Prof. Farshid Sadeghi Dynamics of Rolling Element Bearings using the Discrete Element Method
Dimuth Fernando M.S., Purdue University, 2001 Size Segregation in Granular Beds Subject to Continuous and Discrete Oscillations
Shun Gao M.S., Clemson University, 1998 Granular Flow through a Live Wall Hopper

Publications with Links to Abstracts

If you'd like a copy of any of these papers, please send me an email. You can also track my publications on my Google Scholar page.

Current Activities (last updated: 2020 Apr 11)

Collaborator(s) Affiliation Topic
Joe McNaughton Undergraduate student (Purdue University) hopper stress measurements
Anjana Goteti Undergraduate student (Purdue University) twin screw wet granulation
Nathan Gasteyer M.S. student (Purdue University) DEM modeling of compression screw feeding of biomass materials
Prathamesh Sankhe M.S. student (Purdue University) DEM parameter calibration
Zhengpu Chen Ph.D. student (Purdue University) grain damage during handling
Abhishek Paul Ph.D. student (Purdue University) FEM modeling of compression screw feeding of biomass materials
Rajath Kantharaj Ph.D. student (Purdue University) thermal interface materials
Camila Jange Ph.D. student (Purdue University) agricultural fertilizer design and manufacture
Dr. Clairmont Clementson Laboratory Manager (Purdue University) multiple projects
Prof. Marcial Gonzalez Mechanical Engineering (Purdue University) multiple projects
Prof. Kingsly Ambrose Agricultural and Biological Engineering (Purdue University) multiple projects
Prof. Paul Mort Materials Science Engineering (Purdue University) multiple projects
Prof. Amy Marconnet
Prof. Aaron Morris
Mechanical Engineering (Purdue University) thermal interface materials
Prof. Yu Guo
Prof. Jennifer Curtis
Zhejiang University
UC-Davis
multiple projects

Position(s) Available