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The University of Tennessee College of Engineering 120 Perkins Hall Knoxville, TN 37996-2012 |
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Another Y2K Challenge
Honors Banquet update Homecoming '99
Spring '99
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of the UT - Knoxville College of Engineering |
Faculty Focus - Dr. Peter T. CummingsDr. Peter Cummings improve "We try to predict the properties of chemical systems depending on the molecules they contain and the ways in which they interact with each other," he said. His research involves studying the ways a system responds to changes in temperature and pressure and why and how it changes from solid to liquid to gas. He has also developed new mathematical models which illustrate how bacteria contaminates ground water. More recently, his Oak Ridge research group's work has been devoted to studying molecular rheology and developing an understanding of how carbon dioxide can be used as an industrial solvent. Rheology is used to describe the flow properties of materials. Molecular rheology is used to describe theories which allow the rheology of a fluid to be predicted based on the motion of the molecules in the fluid. Cummings' group is a world leader in molecular rheology.
For seven years, Cummings worked on chemical process designs that focused on energy efficiency. "Now researchers are thinking about minimizing emissions and making them environmentally friendly," he said. "The outcome of our research will help redesign the chemical process that will substitute the hazardous organic solvents with products that are more safe for the environment." The Australia native earned a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Newcastle and his Ph.D. in the molecular theory of fluids from the mathematics department at the University of Melbourne. He came to the Knoxville area from Charlottesville, Va., where he was professor of chemical engineering at the University of Virginia from 1983 to 1993. Since 1994, Cummings has held a joint appointment as a Distinguished Scientist in the Chemical Technology Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory and as a Distinguished Professor in chemical engineering, chemistry and computer science at UTK. His most significant recognition is the 1998 Alpha Chi Sigma Award from the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. This award in chemical engineering recognizes research achievement over the past decade. As a result of this award, a symposium in Cummings' honor will be held at the 1999 American Institute of Chemical Engineers in November .
He is the author of over 190 publications, a frequent speaker at international conferences and a consultant to several companies. Former department head Dr. Charles Moore said Cummings' presence alone has increased the visibility of the department and the college. "I often claim recruiting Dr. Cummings as my most significant accomplishment during my five years as department head," Dr. Moore commented. Cummings and his wife Elizabeth, manager of the UNIX group at UTK, were married as undergraduates at the University of Newcastle. The Cummings' children Agatha, age 8, and Calvin, age 6, both receive strong support from their parents for their interests in science and math. "We encourage their interest in learning of any kind, just as we were encouraged by our parents," Cummings said. If Calvin's interests in reptiles continues, Cummings added, he thinks his son might end up as a biologist. "We don't want to pigeon-hole them yet though--they might still end up as engineers!" laughed Cummings. by Wendy Bigham For more information, visit the Chemical Engineering web site:
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s materials from the molecule up.
"There are about 300,000 small dry cleaning operations in the United States and the cost of reducing air and water pollution and of increasing regulation is making it economically feasible for dry cleaning to be based on the use of carbon dioxide as the solvent. We are working on additives which will enhance the performance of carbon dioxide in this and similar situations," he said.
