Achievement

William Gathright’s research is based on a computational technique called ‘Phase Field Modeling’ that has been used in the past to study solidification of metals. His research has been to extend this approach so that electrochemical devices such as fuel cells can be modeled by using fundamental thermodynamic principles to simulate the flow of ions, electrons, and species at and through the interface of two materials. This work has transcended disciplines and knowledge/techniques from the fields of materials science, mathematics, computer science, mechanical engineering, and electrochemistry has been needed to make progress. The IGERT has made this research successful.