(DURIP) HIGH-SPEED NANO TO PICO-MECHANICAL TESTING SYSTEM FOR ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURAL MATERIALS
Abstract
Funding is requested for a SEM picoindenter with an ultrahigh-speed quantitative mapping module to enhance current AFOSR research programs, enable new research initiatives, and engage a diverse population of students in materials science and engineering. This instrument will provide in-situ depth-sensing nano-mechanical testing on a scanning electronic microscope (SEM) platform for multiscale investigations of failure mechanisms in tough biological composite materials. These materials could serve as the basis for a new generation of aerospace structures, for helmets and other personal protective gear. The Bruker/Hysitron PI 89 SEM PicoIndenter will be used for dedicated analyses of thin-film, bulk composite, and semiconducting materials including biological, biomimetic and traditional composites and thin-film semiconducting materials. The equipment will greatly enhance the PI’s contribution to AFOSR projects (FA9550- 20-1-0292 and MURI - FA9550-15-1-0009) on the investigation of ultrastructural features and mechanical properties of radular belt, stylus and teeth of a giant chiton as well as the presence and effects of chemical and structural elements on toughening of impact and abrasion-resistant biological composite materials. Additional projects are being created to investigate structure- property relationships of biological and synthetically templated nanomaterials to develop energy conversion and storage systems. All of these projects contribute to engagement of undergraduate students through research opportunities and integration of research findings into the curriculum. The PI is affiliated with a new Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) department at the University of California, Irvine, an accredited Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI, OPEID- 00131400) and one of America’s most diverse research-intensive universities. This support will contribute to the PI’s unique program, which conducts both experimental research on synthesis- structure-property relationships in impact and abrasion resistant biological and biomimetic composites and on biologically inspired synthesis of nanostructural materials – an area of extreme relevance to the DoD applications. It is understood that any developmental items and specially designed parts, components, accessories and attachments generated under this Defense Department agreement are being developed for both civil and military applications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 2023
- Source ID
- FA95502210508
Entities
People
- David J Kisailus
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Irvine