MMMPMI · Multiscale Modeling of Mechanical Properties of Metals and Interfaces

This main objective for the Marie Curie International Incoming Fellowship is to expand and strengthen the research/educational activities of the Mechanics Laboratory at the Aristotelion University of Thessaloniki, (AUT), Greece, by forming a formal and long-term collaborative relationship with the W. M. Keck Computational Materials Theory Center (CMTC) at California State University Northridge (CSUN), an NSF-funded Center. We propose to develop physical models, numerical algorithms and robust multiscale simulation techniques to study and predict the mechanical properties of metals and nanolaminates. Key features of the modeling efforts will include studies of dislocation cross slip, kink nucleation, interfaces, and chemistry on mechanical properties in metals and interfaces, which are potential candidates for structural applications at elevated temperatures. These developments involve linking multiple length and time scales, as well as combining various building blocks that have been studied in the traditionally separated disciplines. These disciplinary boundaries need to be eliminated in order to seamlessly integrate complementary computational methodologies and thereby facilitate the investigation of problems too complex to be tackled by a single technique. To accomplish these goals, we have assembled a multidisciplinary team consisting of a tightly knit group of scientists with coordinated and complementary skills and with extensive expertise in this area. Both faculty members have developed at least one major large-scale computational approach; the extensive and diverse experience in computational materials science of the group makes for a highly efficient team, capable of innovative developments in computational materials design. The CSUN-ATU partnership will significantly advance the quality of research/education at ATU to achieve national competitiveness and promote accessibility of frontier research/education experience in multiscale modeling to students.