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Henry C. W. Chu - Modeling, Theory, and Simulation

  • Transport, Molecular Thermodynamics, and Electrochemical Engineering
  • Modeling, Theory, and Simulation
  • Heterogeneous Catalysis and Surface Science
  • Energy, Environment, and Sustainability
  • Complex and Multiphase Flow Dynamics
  • Biomolecular Engineering, Cellular Engineering, and Synthetic Biology
  • Advanced Materials, Devices, and Nanotechnology

    • We develop mathematical theories, AI-based algorithms, and computational simulations across the atomistic, particle, and continuum levels to model chemical engineering processes, with the aims of gaining fundamental scientific knowledge and devising next-generation applications in in-space manufacturing, renewable energy, drug delivery, geological formation, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and membrane-based separation.

    Faculty

    Photo of Henry C. W. Chu

    Henry Chu

    Assistant Professor
    Website: Chu Group

    Biography

    The theme of our research is heterogeneous soft matter transport and design, covering topics such as complex fluid dynamics, colloid and interface science, electrokinetics, and rheology. Our research develops predictive multi-scale computational tools (e.g. particle/fluid dynamics simulations) and fundamental theory (e.g. asymptotic/scaling analyses) to address emerging NAE Grand Challenges for Engineering in these research areas, emphasizing on close collaboration with experimental groups to translate knowledge into applications.  Examples of applications include enhanced oil recovery, CO2 sequestration, smart materials assembly, sustained drug delivery, engineered functional surfaces, 3D printing, adaptive micro-robots, and microfluidic energy harvesting.

    For details of available projects and information of our group, see http://www.chugroup.site

    Education

    Ph.D., 2017, Cornell University
    M.Phil., 2012, The University of Hong Kong
    B.Eng., 2010, The University of Hong Kong

    Awards & Distinctions

    • Global Faculty Fellow, University of Florida, 2021
    • Research Travel Grant Award, Cornell University, 2016
    • Student Member Travel Award, American Institute of Physics The Society of Rheology, 2014, 2016
    • Clyde W. Mason Scholar, Cornell University, 2013
    • Outstanding Research Postgraduate Award, The University of Hong Kong, 2012

    selected Publications

    • H. C. W. Chu, S. Garoff, R. D. Tilton and A. S. Khair (2022). Tuning chemotactic and diffusiophoretic spreading via hydrodynamic flows, Soft Matter, 18, 1896-1910.
    • H. C. W. Chu, S. Garoff, R. D. Tilton and A. S. Khair (2021). Macrotransport theory for diffusiophoretic colloids and chemotactic microorganisms, Journal of Fluid Mechanics, 917, A52.
    • H. C. W. Chu and R. N. Zia (2019). Toward a nonequilibrium Stokes-Einstein relation via active microrheology of hydrodynamically interacting colloidal dispersions, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, 539, 388-399.
    • H. C. W. Chu and R. N. Zia (2017). The non-Newtonian rheology of hydrodynamically interacting colloids via active, nonlinear microrheology, Journal of Rheology, 61, 551-574.
    • C. O. Ng and H. C. W. Chu (2011). Electrokinetic flows through a parallel-plate channel with slipping stripes on walls, Physics of Fluids, 23, 102002.