Research
Space Chemistry and Hyperthermal Chemistry
Spacecraft and satellites operating in low-Earth orbit (LEO) collide with the gases of the LEO atmosphere. This produces chemical reactions that lead to the degradation of the polymers used to coat the spacecraft, jeopardizing their lifetime.
We carry out molecular dynamics simulations of collisions between the gases of the LEO atmosphere and models of the polymers that are used as thermal blankets or protective paints in the spacecraft surface. This provides valuable information about the microscopic reaction mechanisms of erosion processes that cannot be determined from on-orbit or ground-based experiments.
Mechanical properties of Carbon Nanotubes and Nanocomposites
We are interested in the simulation of mechanical properties of Carbon Nanotubes (CNTs) and CNT-based nanocomposites using quantum mechanics. CNTs are very strong. They have been shown to notably improve the mechanical properties (e.g. stiffness) of polymers like polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) or epoxy resins when added in only 1-5% by weight.
This is a poster showcasing some of the things that we do.
This is some information about the technology we develop: The QMBMD code.