Overview
Chuan-Hua Chen's research interests lie in experimental and theoretical investigations of small-scale physicochemical hydrodynamics, where transport and interfacial phenomena closely interact with each other.
By manipulating surface tension actively and passively, e.g. using electric fields and surface structures, we are developing innovative solutions for applications ranging from bioanalytical assays to microelectronics cooling.
By manipulating surface tension actively and passively, e.g. using electric fields and surface structures, we are developing innovative solutions for applications ranging from bioanalytical assays to microelectronics cooling.
Current Appointments & Affiliations
Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science
·
2014 - Present
Thomas Lord Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science,
Pratt School of Engineering
Recent Publications
Droplet actuation on superhydrophobic substrates via electric field gradients
Journal Article Applied Physics Letters · March 18, 2019 A superhydrophobic surface is non-sticking to aqueous droplets due to minimized solid-liquid contact, but the small contact area also poses challenges to droplet maneuvering. This letter reports a technique using electric field gradients to actuate aqueous ... Full text CiteHotspot Size Effect on Conductive Heat Spreading
Journal Article IEEE Transactions on Components, Packaging and Manufacturing Technology · September 1, 2017 Solid heat spreaders, particularly those made of copper or graphite, are often benchmark solutions for hotspot thermal management. In this paper, we present exact and approximate analytical solutions of steady-state hotspot cooling with a planar heat sprea ... Full text CiteAsymmetric drop coalescence launches fungal ballistospores with directionality.
Journal Article Journal of the Royal Society, Interface · July 2017 Thousands of fungal species use surface energy to power the launch of their ballistospores. The surface energy is released when a spherical Buller's drop at the spore's hilar appendix merges with a flattened drop on the adaxial side of the spore. The launc ... Full text CiteRecent Grants
Assessment of the Optimal Settings of TFL for Laser Lithotripsy and Associated Thermal Injury Risk
ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2025 - 2028Fundamental studies of jumping-drop thermal diodes
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by Air Force Research Laboratory · 2015 - 2015Adaptive Hotspot Cooling with Self-Propelled Jumping Condensate
ResearchPrincipal Investigator · Awarded by National Science Foundation · 2012 - 2015View All Grants
Education, Training & Certifications
Stanford University ·
2004
Ph.D.