Previous and ongoing research projects.
KINETICS OF THE MARTENSITIC TRANSFORMATION ACROSS THE SCALES
How fast is the Martensitic transformation?
Shape memory alloys (NiTi) wire in the experimental system 
Diffraction pattern of a textured NiTi wire 
Multi-frame transient X-ray diffraction patterns 
spring-8 Japan synchrotron radiation research institute
The martensitic phase transformation is a rapid, displacive transition between two atomic arrangements, accompanied by large deformations. This process occurs in many natural and engineering crystalline materials. The question of “how fast is the martensitic transformation?” appears in any text book on introduction to materials science, but the answers are either qualitative or unsupported by experimental results. I develop thermo-mechanical setups that induce a transformation unhindered by heat or momentum transfer. These unique conditions are necessary for studying the true transformation kinetics. I combine several novel characterization techniques for tracking the transformation evolution with high spatial and temporal resolutions. These include microsecond-scale time-resolved optical microscopy and x-ray diffraction, combined with high-bandwidth force measurements. The obtained knowledge is valuable for the development of novel modeling approaches, novel materials, and novel high-speed shape memory alloy actuators.
MODELING BACK FLOW FROM HYDRAULICALLY FRACTURED WELLS
Asymptotic investigation of back flow from model fracture networks
Hydraulic fracturing and the production of hydrocarbons from fractured wells yield fluid wastewater that must be managed carefully to avoid significant harm to human health and the environment. These wastewater by-products are known as “flowback” or “produced water”. Flowback periods immediately following fracture stimulation can be used quantitatively to characterize hydraulic fractures and in some cases the reservoir. The main hypothesis of the research is that for various types of system structures, the dynamical behavior in late times can be estimated by scaling arguments of the governing physics. This allows us to gain physical insight and estimate flow-rate and pressure evolution in time for enhancing hydrocarbon production and informing waste management and engineering design.
Modeling back flow from hydraulically fractured wells
An article about my M.Sc. project with Assoc. Prof. Guy Ramon on modeling `flowback’ from hydraulically fractured wells, published (in Hebrew) in Technion Megazine, Summer Edition, 2018.
For more details, visit my publications page!
Asaf Dana, Ph.D. 