Atomic-Scale Microstructural Design of Advanced Ceramics

Theory and experiment combine to define (1) the relationships between the properties of ceramics and critical length-scale characteristics and (2) how to tailor these during processing. For example, the effects of sintering additives on the microstructure and interfacial properties are assessed experimentally. The atomic scale segregation of elements and interfacial debonding characteristics are assessed via advanced electron microscopy methods. These are combined with first principles theoretical calculations of the energies and forces associated with chemical bonding to determine the effects of chemical additives in regions of interest (e.g., interfaces) as well as the mechanisms controlling microstructure evolution. The nature of interfacial regions can then be incorporated into classical analyses to understand the effects of nano-scale interfaces on larger scale characteristics of ceramic monoliths and coatings. The combined theoretical and experimental findings provide a quantitative picture of the mechanisms controlling the behavior of ceramic-based systems and an understanding as to how to enhance their properties including fracture and/or deformation resistance.

Staff

Hua-Tay Lin

Chun-Hway Hsueh

Michael J. Lance

Shirley B. Waters

Andrew A. Wereszczak

• Hua-Tay Lin
• Chun-Hway Hsueh
• Michael J. Lance
• Andrew A. Wereszczak

Postdoctoral Fellow

Hong Wang

• Hong Wang

Post Bachelor's Research Participant

Technologists

Timothy P. Kirkland

• Timothy P. Kirkland

Recent Research Activities

• Microstructural Evolution: Segregation Effects
• Impact of Intergranular Phase on Mechanical Behavior at Elevated Temperatures 
• Deformation of Nanocrystalline Ceramics
• Tough Microstructures: Unraveling the Basis for Anisotropic Grain Growth in Si₃N₄ Ceramics
• Understanding How the Chemistry of Intergranular Films in Ceramics can be Used to Increase Fracture Toughness
• Contact Induced Radial Cracking in Layered Systems
• Piezospectroscopic Measurements of Toughness in SiC Whisker/Al₂O₃ Composites
• Multiple Cracking of Film on Substrate
• Effective Viscosity of Suspension of Spheres
• Hertzian Indentation on Coating/Substrate Systems
• Residual Stresses in Multilayers and Graded layers
• Observation of Superionic Conductivity in Highly Oriented Nanometer Scale ZrO₂ - 10 mol. % Y₂O₃ Films
• Sintering of Nanocrystalline ZrO₂
• Deformation Processes for the Next Generation Ceramics
• Mechanical Behavior of Ceramic Materials for Heavy Duty Diesel Engine
• Rolling Contact Fatigue
• Mechanical Characterization of Electronic Materials and Electronic Devices
• Can Composites be Designed to Make Better Diesel Engine Components?
• Advanced Cermet for Fuel Injection Systems
• Life Prediction of Diesel Engine Components
• Effect of Bond Coating on Stress in Scale under TBC
• Remote Measurement of Stress Using a Fiber Optic Probe
• Development and Implementation of Complex-Shaped Ceramic Components
• Ceramic Components Evaluation
• Ceramic Armor
• Gun Barrel Liners
• Mechanical Failure in Nanoimprint Processes
• Micro-FEA

Center for Ceramic Reliability (CCR)

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