Prof. Grbovic has a wide experience in MEMS device design and simulation as well as photolithography and microfabrication processes. Dr. Grbovic’s research interests are micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) for sensing and energy harvesting applications.

His recent research focuses on creating focal plane arrays of bi-material MEMS devices for infrared and terahertz imaging using absorbing metamaterials. He is also working on microwave metamaterials, MEMS energy harvesting devices and micro ion thruster based using carbon nanotubes. His work has been published in Applied Physics Letters, Journal of Applied Physics, Optics Express and other journals and proceedings and he is an author of a chapter in the Encyclopedia of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

For list of publications, click here.

Research interests:  Theory and modeling of energetic materials; First-principles simulation of compression and shock loading of solids; Fragmentation at high strain rates; Impact-resistant nanocomposites.        

Our current projects focus on novel energetic materials and structural composites. We are simulating organometallic nanostructures as possible routes to fast, kinetically-limited combustion of aluminum in propellants or explosives. We are studying the fragmentation behavior of reactive materials and similar composites being considered for next-generation warheads. In collaboration with several experimentalists, we are modeling interfacial interactions and mechanical response of nanostructured composites for lightweight armors.

Research interests centered on solid state materials. In particular, research efforts have been directed to engineer nanostructured and multifunctional materials.

Our group has developed novel synthetic pathways for materials preparation; instances of the same include reduction-expansion synthesis and plasma/aerosol methodologies. Special attention has been given to the characterization of the nanomaterial structural features and their correlation with observed properties and reactivity.

Application projects include the generation of thermally stable materials for batteries, catalysts, structural and high energy density materials.

Future areas of interest include the development of high temperature and impact resistant materials.

For a list of publications, click here.

My research interest is mainly in applying the fundamental principles of thermodynamics, kinetics and crystallography of materials in understanding phase transformations in materials using advanced methods of materials characterization.       

My expertise has been in the use of various electron-optical equipments mostly TEM and SEM. Currently the focus is on applying EDS, EBSD and FIB techniques including 3D microstructural analysis to various problems using our Field Emission SEM.

Prof. Weatherford is a Professor in the ECE department and is the director of the NPS Center for Radiation Hardened Electronics. He has held positions at RCA labs (1981-85), NCSU (1986-1989) and NRL (1990-1995). Prof. Weatherford in previous collaboration with UCB and NRL (1994-present) has successfully led programs to study and harden III-V technologies. He has advised over 75 graduate students, 2 patents and published over 65 referred publications in radiation effects, semiconductor modeling and device reliability. He is member of the IEEE Reliability Society, IEEE Electron Device and IEEE Nuclear Science Society.