Associate Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1000 Hilltop Circle Baltimore, MD 21250
Research Webpage: http://msmp.umbc.edu/
Education
Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, Stony Brook University, 2003
M.S., Mechanical Engineering, Southeast University, 1994
B.S., Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University, 1991
Employment History
| 2010-present | Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UMBC |
| 2004-2010 | Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, UMBC |
Research Interest
My research program is focused on solving problems that involve transport of heat, mass, and momentum in a wide range of applications including film growth for energy-efficient electronic devices, novel material processing for photovoltaic applications, and nanomaterials for treatment of cancer. Our recent effort is focused on the behavior of nanofluid transport in porous structure such as tissue and fiber matrix using a multi-scale approach. My team has developed a multi-physics model that considers particle-surface interaction as well as macroscale particle transport in fluid and tissue deformation using finite volume, particle tracking, and meshless methods. We have used this model to study the flow and deposition of nanofluid in tissue during an intratumoral infusion process that involves complex physicochemical processes with large disparity in length and time scales. The multi-scale study has provided valuable information essential for understanding the complex physicochemical processes, enabling us to gain in-depth insight into the behavior of nanoparticle penetration in porous structures that is not obtainable solely through experimental study. This multi-scale approach can be applied to target drug delivery using nanocarriers and nanofabrication with colloidal fluids.
I am also interested in novel material processing for energy-efficient electronic devices and low-cost photovoltaic facilities. My research group has developed models to study fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, phase change, chemical reaction kinetics, and electromagnetic heating involved in Chemical Vapor Deposition, Physical Vapor Transport, Directional Solidification, and Liquid Composite Molding. These models have been used to study the growth of silicon carbide film from vapor phase, solidification of bulk multi-crystalline silicon, and growth of silicon wafer on substrate. Information obtained through the simulations allows material scientists to link growth conditions to growth rate, defect formation, and material properties, and ultimately, lead to improved system design and optimized processing conditions.
Classes Taught at UMBC
| ENES321 | Transfer Processes |
| ENME631 | Advanced Conduction and Radiation Heat Transfer |
| ENME645 | Applied Computational Thermal/fluid |
| ENME816T | Transport Phenomena |
Selected Publications
J. Sheppard, R.-H. Chen, Y. Lan, R. Ma. “Freeze Casting of Porous Copper with Lamellar Morphology for Enhancing Through-plane Thermal Conductivity”. International Journal of Thermophysics, 46(109): 1-16, 2025.
M.J. Naseem, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “Reducing Flow Resistance via Introduction and Enlargement of Microcracks in Convection Enhanced Delivery (CED) in Porous Tumors”. Fluids, 9(9): 215, 2024.
M.M. Zaw, L. Zhu, R. Ma. “Numerical Study of Heat Transfer Enhancement Using Nano-Encapsulated Phase Change (NPC) Slurries in Wavy Microchannels”. Fluids, 9(10): 236, 2024.
T. Munuhe, R.-H. Chen, L. Zhu, R. Ma. “Modeling molten droplet spreading and infiltration into non-isothermal thermal barrier coatings”. International Journal of Heat and Mass Transfer,182:121942, 2022.
T. Munuhe, L. Zhu, R. Ma. “Thermal Analysis of Calcium–Magnesium–Alumino–Silicate Infiltration Dynamics in Thermal Barrier Coatings”. AIAA Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, 35(3): 1-12, 2021.
L. Zhu, S. Sun, L.D. Topoleski, C.D. Eggleton, R. Ma. “Evaluation of STEM Engagement Activities on The Attitudes and Perceptions of Mechanical Engineering S-STEM Scholars”. ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 143(12): 121006 (1-7), 2021.
Q. Gu, L. Dockery, M.-C. Onuta, C.J. Bieberich, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “Nanoparticle Delivery in Prostate Tumors Implanted in Mice Facilitated by Either Local or Whole-Body Heating”. Fluids, 6(272): 1-17, 2021.
M. Singh, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “Quantitative Evaluation of Effects of Coupled Temperature Elevation, Thermal Damage, and Enlarged Porosity on Nanoparticle Migration in Tumors during Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia”. International Communications of Heat and Mass Transfer, 126: 105393 (1-9), 2021.
M. Singh, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “Theoretical Evaluation of Enhanced Gold Nanoparticle Delivery to PC3 Tumors due to Increased Hydraulic Conductivity or Recovered Lymphatic Function after Mild Whole Body Hyperthermia”. Medical & Biological Eng. & Computing, 59: 301–313, 2021.
M.M. Zaw, L. Zhu, R. Ma. “Effect of Surface Topography on Particle Deposition from Liquid Suspensions in Channel Flow”. Fluids, 5(1): 8, 2020.
Q. Gu, T. Joglekar, C.J. Bieberich, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “Nanoparticle Redistribution in PC3 Tumors Induced by Local Heating in Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia: In Vivo Experimental Study”. ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 141(3): 032402 (1-9), 2019.
L. Zhu, C.D. Eggleton, R. Ma, L.D. Topoleski, D. Madan. “Establishing the Need to Broaden Bioengineering Research Exposure and Research Participation in Mechanical Engineering and Its Positive Impacts on Student Recruitment, Diversification, Retention and Graduation: Findings from the UMBC ME S-STEM Scholarship Program”. ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering,142(11): 111010 (1-7), 2020.
Q. Gu, S. Liu, R.A., Saha, S. Florinas, R.J. Christie, M.-C. Onuta, C.J. Bieberich, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “Mild Whole Body Hyperthermia Induced Interstitial Fluid Pressure (IFP) Reduction and Enhanced Nanoparticle Delivery to PC3 Tumors: In Vivo Studies and MicroCT Analyses”. ASME Journal of Thermodynamic Sciences and Engineering Applications, 12(6): 061001, 2020.
M. M. Zaw, W. D. Hedrich, T. Munuhe, M.H. Banazadeh, H. Wang, S. A. Gadsden, L. Zhu, and R. Ma, “Fabrication of a Cell Culture Plate With a Three-Dimensional Printed Mold and Thermal Analysis of PDMS-Based Casting Process”, Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Applications, Vol. 10 / 061002-1, 2018
A. LeBrun, T. Joglekar, C. Bieberich, R. Ma and L. Zhu. “Treatment efficacy for validating microCT based theoretical simulation approach in magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia for cancer treatment”. ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, 139, 051101 (1-7), 2017.
A. Alexandrian, L. Zhu, S. Maher, R. Ma, M. Yu, “Investigation of biotransport in a tumor with uncertain material properties using a non-intrusive spectral uncertainty quantification method”. ASME Journal of Biomechanical Engineering, 139, 091006 (1-11), 2017.
T. Munuhe, A. LeBrun, L. Zhu, and R. Ma. “Using microCT to visualize nanofluid droplet sorption profiles in unsaturated powder beds”. Powder Technology, 305: 232-240, 2016.
A. LeBrun, T. Joglekar, C. Bieberich, R. Ma and L. Zhu. “Identification of Infusion Strategy for Achieving Repeatable Nanoparticle Distribution and Quantifiable Thermal Dosage in Magnetic Nanoparticle Hyperthermia”. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 32(2):132-143, 2016.
A. LeBrun, R. Ma, L. Zhu. “MicroCT image based simulation to design heating protocols in magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia for cancer treatment. Journal of Thermal Biology”, 62:129-137, 2016.
C. Bartgis, A. LeBrun, R. Ma and L. Zhu. “Determination of Time of Death in Forensic Science via a 3-D Whole Body Heat Transfer Model”. Journal of Thermal Biology, 62:109-115, 2016.
S. Askarian and R. Ma, “Computational Study of Contact Solidification for Silicon Film Growth in the Ribbon Growth on Substrate System”, Journal of Thermal Science and Engineering Application. vol. 6, pp 011011-1-9, 2013.
A. LeBrun, N. Manuchehrabadi, A. Attaluri, F. Wang, R. Ma, & L. Zhu, “MicroCT image-generated tumour geometry and SAR distribution for tumour temperature elevation simulations in magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia”, International Journal of Hyperthermia, vol. 29(8), pp 730-738, 2013
R. Ma, D. Su, and L. Zhu, “Multiscale Simulation of Nanoparticle Transport
in Deformable Tissue during an Infusion Process in Hyperthermia Treatment of Cancers”, in Advances in Numerical Heat Transfer (vol. 4): Nanoparticle Heat Transfer and Fluid Flow, CRC Press, Taylor & Francis, New York, NY, Nov. 2012.
A. Anilchandra, R. Ma, Y. Qiu, W. Li, and L. Zhu, “Nanoparticle distribution and temperature elevations in prostatic tumours in mice during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia”, International Journal of Hyperthermia, 27(5), pp 491–502, 2011.
D. Su, R. Ma, and L. Zhu, “Numerical study of nanofluid infusion in deformable tissues for hyperthermia cancer treatments”, Medical and Biological Engineering & Computing, vol. 49(11), pp.1233-40, 2011
A. Attaluri, R. Ma, and L. Zhu, “Using MicroCT imaging technique to quantify heat generation distribution induced by magnetic nanoparticles for cancer treatments”, ASME Journal of Heat Transfer, Vol. 133(1), pp 011003-1- 011003-5, 2011.
D. Su, R. Ma, L. Zhu, “Numerical Study of Liquid Composite Molding Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics Method”, Special Topics & Reviews in Porous Media, Vol.2(3), pp 205-216, 2011.
D. Su, R. Ma, M. Salloum, M., and L. Zhu, “Multiscale study of nanoparticle deposition on cell surface during an injection process”. Medical and Biological Engineering & Computing, vol. 48(9), pp.853-863, 2010.
Wang R., Ma R., & Dudley M. (2009). Reduction of chemical reaction mechanism for halide-assisted silicon carbide epitaxial film deposition. Industrial & Engineering Chemistry Research, 48, 3860–3866.
Salloum M., Ma R., & Zhu L. (2009). Enhancement in treatment planning for magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia: Optimization of the heat absorption pattern. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 25(4), 309-321.
Salloum M., Ma R., & Zhu L. (2008). An in-vivo experimental study of temperature elevations in animal tissue during magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 24(7), 589-601.
Wang R., & Ma R. (2008). Reactive flow in halide chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide epitaxial films. Journal of Thermophysics and Heat Transfer, 22, 555-562.
Salloum M., Ma R., Weeks D., & Zhu L. (2008). Controlling nanoparticle delivery in hyperthermia for cancer treatment: in vitro experimental study. International Journal of Hyperthermia, 24(4), 337-345.
Wang R., & Ma R. (2008). An integrated model for halide chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide epitaxial films.Journal of Crystal Growth, 310, 4248-4255.
Wang R., & Ma R. (2007). Kinetics of halide chemical vapor deposition of silicon carbide film. Journal of Crystal Growth, 308, 189–197.
Wu B., Stoddard N., Ma R., & Clark R. (2007). Bulk multicrystalline silicon growth for photovoltaic (PV) application. Journal of Crystal Growth, 310(7), 2178-2184.
Wang R., Ma R., & Zupan M. (2006). Modeling of chemical vapor deposition of large-area silicon carbide thin film. Crystal Growth & Design, 6, 2592-2597.
Dhanaraj G., Dudley M., Ma R., Zhang H., & Prasad V. (2004). Design and fabrication of physical vapor transport system for the growth of SiC crystals. Review of Scientific Instruments, 75(9), 2843-2847.