in-situ Characterization and Reliability Evaluation (iCaRE) Lab
Uncovering the Mechanical Response of Disparate Material Systems (from nano to bulk-scale)
Mechanical Characterization in Extreme Environments
G.-D. Sim, K.Y. Xie, K.J. Hemker, J.A. El-Awady, Effect of temperature on the transition in deformation modes in Mg single crystals, Acta Mater 178 (2019) 241-248.
Research Topics
Development of Various Techniques for Small-scale Mechanical Characterization
Develop experimental techniques and analysis methods for measuring material properties at a small-scale. It has been observed that the mechanical properties of materials are very different from those of their bulk counterparts. Characterization of mechanical properties at small-scale has been challenging due to the inherent difficulties associated with handling and gripping of the samples. We have developed various techniques for measuring material properties. We also have researched analyzing the experimental results based on the knowledge of mechanics.
Mechanical Characterization of Additively Manufactured (3D-Printed) Metal Alloys
Develop multi-scale mechanical characterization methods for additively manufactured (3D-printed) metal alloys. Bulk scale mechanical characterization is conducted with bulk scale tensile-fatigue mechanical testers, and small-scale characterization is conducted with in-situ mechanical testers.
In-situ Mechanical Testing of Metallic Thin Films at Elevated Temperatures
Develop metallic materials for high temperature MEMS sensors and micro-switches. Combinatorial approach to deposit films with compositional gradients and to evaluate room and high temperature mechanical properties. Tailoring of high temperature mechanical properties by heat treatment and by controlling the impurity content. Simple metal MEMS devices with improved functionality will be fabricated using the newly developed alloy.
Development of High Temperature Structural Materials and Devices
Develop metallic materials for high temperature MEMS sensors and micro-switches. Sputter depositing films with different compositions and evaluate their mechanical responses(under constant strain-rate tensile load, creep, fracture, fatigue) at room temperature and elevated temperatures. Tailoring of the microstructure, elemental distribution, and ensuing the mechanical properties by heat treatment. Fabrication of simple metal MEMS devices to demonstrate the enhanced mechanical stability and functionality.
Small-scale Mechanical Testing Assisted by Computational Simulations
Structural analysis of a small-scale mechanical test before and after experiments. Simulation such as finite element method and dislocation dynamics is used to obtain some insights into material behavior prediction, specimen fabrication, and more.
Develop experimental techniques and analysis methods for measuring material properties at a small-scale. It has been observed that the mechanical properties of materials are very different from those of their bulk counterparts. Characterization of mechanical properties at small-scale has been challenging due to the inherent difficulties associated with handling and gripping of the samples. We have developed various techniques for measuring material properties. We also have researched analyzing the experimental results based on the knowledge of mechanics.
Mechanical Characterization of Additively Manufactured (3D-Printed) Metal Alloys
Develop multi-scale mechanical characterization methods for additively manufactured (3D-printed) metal alloys. Bulk scale mechanical characterization is conducted with bulk scale tensile-fatigue mechanical testers, and small-scale characterization is conducted with in-situ mechanical testers.
In-situ Mechanical Testing of Metallic Thin Films at Elevated Temperatures
Develop metallic materials for high temperature MEMS sensors and micro-switches. Combinatorial approach to deposit films with compositional gradients and to evaluate room and high temperature mechanical properties. Tailoring of high temperature mechanical properties by heat treatment and by controlling the impurity content. Simple metal MEMS devices with improved functionality will be fabricated using the newly developed alloy.
Development of High Temperature Structural Materials and Devices
Develop metallic materials for high temperature MEMS sensors and micro-switches. Sputter depositing films with different compositions and evaluate their mechanical responses(under constant strain-rate tensile load, creep, fracture, fatigue) at room temperature and elevated temperatures. Tailoring of the microstructure, elemental distribution, and ensuing the mechanical properties by heat treatment. Fabrication of simple metal MEMS devices to demonstrate the enhanced mechanical stability and functionality.
Small-scale Mechanical Testing Assisted by Computational Simulations
Structural analysis of a small-scale mechanical test before and after experiments. Simulation such as finite element method and dislocation dynamics is used to obtain some insights into material behavior prediction, specimen fabrication, and more.