Engineering assistant professors to 3D print reactive rocks with innovative NSF award

The versatility of 3D printing has allowed researchers to delve into topics previously thought to be out of reach for one logistical reason or another. One such area is the sampling of porous media, or rocks, to study geochemical reactions in natural and engineered systems.

Utilizing a National Science Foundation award, Lauren Beckingham, assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering, will collaborate with Bryan Beckingham, assistant professor of chemical engineering, to utilize 3D printing to create replicable, reactive rock samples that can be explored in laboratory experiments.

These experiments could enhance the understanding of mineral dissolution and precipitation reactions and impacts on porosity and permeability on porous media such as rocks.

Learn more about this innovative project, click here.