Research
The
Mesoscale
Interface
Mapping
Project |
| The mission
of the
MIMP is
to understand
the mechanistic
origins
of the
grain boundary
character
distribution,
a five-dimensional
materials
specific
quantity,
and its
influence
on the
macroscopic
properties
and performance
of polycrystalline
materials.
Our integrated
program
of theory,
experiment,
and simulation
leverages
the skills
of scientists
and engineers
from multiple
disciplines.
The development
of experimental
tools with
expanded
spatial
and temporal
resolutions
allows
new observations
to be made
of the
three-dimensional
structure
of the
grain boundary
network.
It is therefore
be possible
to make
rigorous
statistical
comparisons
to the
results
of large-scale
simulations
of microstructural
evolution
that accurately
depict
thermodynamic
rules for
interface
motion
and model
the full
crystallographic
complexity
of the
grain boundary
network.
Through
these studies,
we will
define
the statistical
quantities
required
for a theory
of grain
boundary
network
evolution.
We will
also identify
metrics
that can
be related
to grain
boundary
sensitive
mechanical
and electrical
properties.
Our experimental
studies
will concentrate
on the
internal
structures
and grain
boundary
properties
of Al aerospace
alloys,
Ni-based
alloys,
thin film
Cu for
interconnections,
dielectric
ceramics,
ceramic
cutting
tools,
and grain
boundary
engineered
brass,
Pb, and
Ni. A three-dimensional
orientation
mapping
system
based on
a dual
beam focused
ion beam
scanning
electron
microscope
will be
used to
extract
true three-dimensional
microstructural
data. In
addition,
a transmission
electron
microscope
system
will be
used to
map orientations
in materials
with nanometer
scale resolution,
and a three-dimensional
x-ray diffraction
microscope
will be
used to
study microstructure
evolution
in situ. |
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