Multi-scale fundamentals of materials
Coordinator Prof. M.G.D. Geers,
This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
This research theme focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of the mechanics and physics of structural and functional materials at different length scales, in order to predict accurately the material’s properties in relation to the underlying multi-material microstructure. Soundly based structure-property relationships will be derived by developing and implementing multi-scale models in the mechanics of materials and interfaces.
The program concentrates on structural and functional materials and joining interfaces. It aims for a substantial increase in predictive capability, thereby optimizing critical state-of-the-art processes in direct relation to the loading history of the material and / or the joining interfaces. Acquiring this knowledge is essential for various applications in materials engineering, such as predicting fatigue failure in aluminium structures for use in aerospace, increasing the abrasion-resistance of materials for the dredging industry (leading to increased durability), and multi-scale damage prediction for the packaging and transportation industry.
The industry is increasingly focussing on miniaturization, functional integration, the predictability of failure and reliability (‘right first time’) combined with a trend towards more complex high-strength materials and combinations of materials (hybrids, composites and laminates).
Examples of research projects in this cluster are:
• The microstructure modelling of multi-phase steels
• Plasticity under rough surface contact and friction
• The characterization and prediction of interface delamination in integrated Microsystems
• The characterization of semi-crystalline polymer foils for flexible electronics
• Size effects in creep and fatigue in metallic MEMS
