Numerical studies on zinc oxide synthesis via physical vapor transport

This project examined the transport phenomena in the synthesis of ZnO by physical vapor transport. In the numerical simulations Zn and O2 were treated as diluted species transported in nitrogen. The modes of transport were investigated and the velocity, temperature and concentration profiles in the reactor under reaction conditions elucidated. Also a parametric examination was conducted to determine the effect of physical variables on the flow. It was found that in open reaction conditions at high pressures convective transport dominates, while lower pressures lead to diffusive dominance and significant mass transport resistance. The linear temperature profile assumption was validated; further it was found that thermal expansion is insignificant, hence free convection can be neglected

HARVESTING HELIUM-3 FROM THE MOON

The world is approaching an energy crisis, and it is critical to focus on an alternate long term energy source. Given the current urge to explore space and expand humanity's outreach, harvesting the energetically rich Helium-3 from the Moon's surface is an ideal, yet challenging, objective which is amply motivated by current energy economic realities. He-3 can be used in a nuclear fusion reactor to generate enormous energy outputs with negligible waste. In this project, we study the scientific breakthroughs required in space and fusion technologies to successfully harvest He-3 from the Moon. Additionally, a multitude of interests expressed on a global scale in lunar He-3 are examined and assessed based on a legal space framework, and socio-economic political scenarios are developed that would result from the aforementioned space venture