Dr. Bin Li

• Education

  1986-1990: Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China, B. S. in Metallurgy.

  1993-1996: Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, M. S. in Metallurgy.

  1996-1999: Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and University of Connecticut, M. S. in Materials Science and Engineering.

  1999-2004: University of Connecticut, Ph. D. in Materials Science and Engineering.

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• Research

  • Real Time Observation of Dendritic Solidification in Real Alloys.

    In this research, state-of-the-art technology has been used to observe in real time dendritic solidification in real alloys, which are otherwise invisible because metallic alloys are optically opaque. This technique utilizes high intensity X-rays from synchrotron sources at national facilities (Advanced Photon Source or APS, Argonne National Laboratory, and Cornell High Energy Synchrotron Source or CHESS, Cornell University), and modern imaging technology to capture images of growing dendrites.

    Using the microradiography technique, we have carried out real time observations of dendrite coarsening in Sn-13wt%Bi alloy and temperature gradient zone melting (TGZM) during directional solidification. Preliminary observations of dendrite growth in Al-25wt%Cu were also performed at the APS.

    The following is a movie of growing dendrites captured by synchrotron microradiography in Sn-13%Bi alloy, a moment of dendrite fragmentation was captured (field of view 4x2mm). Click here to see detailed research and exciting movies.

    
    
    

    

    
    
    
  • Computer Modeling of Materials Properties.

    Computer simulation on the atomic scale plays an important role in understanding materials properties. We have been running molecular dynamics simulations on lattice defects such as grain boundaries, dislocation configurations, stacking faults and their effect on the nucleation of martensitic transformation; sliding friction between metals; and mechanical properties of nanomaterials.

    The following is a simulation of deformation of Single Wall Carbon Nanotube (SWCNT). In this movie, a projection view is shown. Atoms of the front half of the tube are in red color, and atoms of the rear half of the tube are in blue. Propagation of shear band along the tube can be seen before atomic bonds are broken. Click here to see detailed research and exciting movies.

    
    
    

    

    
    
    

    The simulation program (XMD) was developed by Dr. J. A. Rifkin at the University of Connecticut.

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• Publications

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• Patent

  A new abrasion-cavitation resistant cladding material. (ZL 96 1 15466.7)