Mechanical Properties at the Sub-micrometer Length Scale: Multiscale Modeling and Experiments

在这个项目中特别感兴趣的是由结构部件组成的系统中的金属的机械性能，其尺寸或其子结构的尺寸在几十纳米到几十微米的范围内。研究人员将开发实验、模型和计算平台，以追求可靠的机械性能，并准备用于设计和分析此类系统的地图。创新包括研究亚微米结构的膨胀测试技术的进步，基于分子动力学和位错动力学分析的多尺度建模的进步，以及亚微米元素的晶体塑性硬化规律的发展。由亚微米组件制成的小型化系统的潜在性能水平，如用于汽车和航空航天应用的微机电系统和轻质金属板，可以带来新的性能水平和能源效率，这是当前材料无法实现的。该项目的成果将对这些新兴技术产生重大影响，为这些系统的设计提供科学依据。此外，该项目还将让研究生和本科生通过独特的外展计划指导中小学生。其目标是提高学生对科学和工程的兴趣，拓宽博士生在外展活动中的背景，并解决在吸引女性和少数民族从事博士研究时可能存在的差距问题。

Of particular interest in this project are the mechanical properties of metals in systems that consist of structural components whose dimensions, or the dimensions of their substructure, lie in the range of tens of nanometers to tens of micrometers. The investigators will develop experiments, models and computational platforms to pursue reliable mechanical properties and prepare maps for use in the design and analysis of such systems. Innovations include advancements in bulge testing techniques for studying submicron structures, advancements in multiscale modeling based on molecular dynamics and dislocation dynamics analyses, and development of a crystal plasticity hardening law for submicron elements. The potential performance levels of miniaturized systems made of submicron components, such as microelectormechanical systems and lightweight metal panels for automotive and aerospace application, can lead to new performance level and energy efficiency not achievable with current materials. The outcome of this project would have major impact on these emerging technologies by providing scientific bases for designing of such systems. Additionally, this project will involve graduate and undergraduate students in mentoring primary and secondary school students through a unique outreach program. The goal is to increase students' interest in science and engineering, broaden the background of doctoral students in outreach activities, and address issues of disparity that may be underlying concerns in attracting women and minorities to doctoral research.