process design: 2
Life Sciences
Information and Communication
Nanotechnology / Materials
Manufacturing Technology
Human and Social Sciences
Energy
Environment
Tourism / Community development
Arctic Research
Social Infrastructure
Open Facilities
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Development of Microstructure Prediction Simulation Technology for Metallic Materials
From solidification to solid phase transformation
In the manufacturing process of structural and functional materials, various material structures are formed during solidification, heat treatment, and plastic processing, and the characteristics of these structures determine the properties of the materials. We are developing a simulation method to predict the series of material microstructure changes from solidification to solid phase transformation.
Research
We are developing and applying methods for predicting temporal changes in the microstructure of metallic materials during the series of phase transformations that occur in the manufacturing process, such as solidification, grain growth, and diffusional solid transformation. We are specifically engaged in the development of a phase-field model, a method to simulate microstructure formation, and have succeeded in developing a model that calculates the diffusional phase transformation with the highest accuracy in the world. We are also working on microstructure control in various alloy systems by combining experimental approaches, atomistic approaches using molecular dynamics, and information science approaches such as data assimilation and machine learning. We are developing new theories of microstructure formation by using ultra-large scale calculations and obtaining results that lead to optimization of the actual processes.
Munekazu Ohno Professor -
Process Design for Social Decision Making
A social psychological approach to consensus building
In situations necessitating decisions involving the entire community, such as those for national and local government planning, a wide range of opinions should be included in a comprehensive manner. The plan will also only be meaningful if it is shared by many people and linked to the actions of each individual. Process design is the key to realizing these goals.
Research
In situations requiring public decision-making (e.g., planning), simply setting of a philosophy may turn out to be pie in the sky. On the other hand, the more detailed one tries to be, the more different values may come into conflict. Designing the necessary dialog forum to overcome these problems is crucial. The key to this is the sharing of common goals. In other words, it is necessary to create new values to overcome the differences in values, and to create and implement a social vision that is not an abstract idea, but one that can convince people involved of its feasibility. At this laboratory, we design a series of such activities as process design. We specifically support more effective public decision-making by using public participation techniques for consensus building and behavior change approaches to put plans into practice.
Susumu Ohnuma Professor Director of Center for Experimental Research in Social SciencesDoctor of Psychology