Size-Dependent Super-Piezoelectricity in Nanostructures

尺度依赖的super-piezoelectricity ?这项拨款为一项理论和实验相结合的研究提供资金，以了解尺寸依赖性“巨人”的出现。铁电纳米结构中的压电性。从量子力学原子计算到连续体方法的建模方法将被用来理解支撑这一现象的基础科学。将对非均匀应变纳米结构进行弯曲、人工裂纹和压痕实验来验证这些预测。该计划的预期效益将是教育和社会两方面的。压电是在机械刺激下电极化的发展，从而将机械能转化为电能，从简单的消费产品（如手机）到复杂的技术进步（如原子力显微镜、声纳和人造肌肉等）都有许多应用。因此，预期的研究成果是下一代传感器和执行器、能量收集、同时表现出大运动和力量的人造肌肉，以及对如何设计多功能的更好理解。教育方面的影响是，本科生和研究生都将接受新兴的跨学科研究的培训，这些研究落在材料科学、力学和物理学的交叉点。该资助特别强调高中生和本科生，特别是女性学者的研究经验。研究成果将纳入专门针对小学生的课程和模块，并通过会议报告、学术出版物和PI？年代的网站。

Size-dependent ?super-piezoelectricity? in nanostructuresThis grant provides funding for a combined theoretical and experimental study to understand the emergence of size-dependent ?giant? piezoelectricity in ferroelectric nanostructures. Modeling approaches ranging from quantum mechanical atomistic calculations to continuum methods will be employed to understand the basic science underpinning this phenomenon. Flexure, artificial cracks and indentation based experiments on inhomogeneously strained nanostructures will be conducted to verify the predictions. The expected benefits of the program will be both educational and societal. Piezoelectricity, the development of electrical polarization upon mechanical stimulus and thus the conversion of mechanical to electrical energy, has numerous applications ranging from simple consumer products such as cell phones to complex technological advancements: atomic force microscopy, sonars and artificial muscles among many others. Accordingly, anticipated research outcomes are in next generation sensors and actuators, energy harvesting, artificial muscles that exhibit simultaneously large motion and force and an enhanced understanding of how to design multi-functionality. The educational impact is that both undergraduate and graduate students will be trained in emerging and interdisciplinary research that falls at the intersections of materials science, mechanics, and physics. The grant puts specific emphasis on research experience for high school students and undergraduate students and in particular female scholars. Research findings will be incorporated into courses, modules specifically targeted towards grade school students and broadly disseminated through conference presentations, scholarly publications, and the PI?s websites.