Microstructural Design of Light-Induced Phase Transformation Materials
Abstract
Molecular crystals that respond to a light stimulus are emerging as a new class of photomechanical materials that find numerous engineering applications, ranging from remote actuation to flexible electronics. On exposure to light, these materials undergo an abrupt solid-to-solid change in their crystal structure that is characterized by a wide range of deformations, such as jumping, rolling, bending, or even exploding. The origin of these rich variations in extreme mechanical deformations of the photomechanical materials is still an open question. In this YIP proposal, I aim to elucidate the fundamental mechanisms underpinning three macroscopic modes of deformations—stretching, twisting, and bending—in photomechanical molecular materials. I propose to investigate the delicate interplay between atomic scale structural transformations of unit cells and the continuum scale microstructural evolution pathways that shape the macroscopic mode of deformation in these materials. Specifically, I will investigate how the unit cells in photomechanical materials transform on exposure to light, and how this transformation determines the macroscopic mode of deformation. I will then develop a continuum theory to investigate the coupled effects between microstructural evolution in photomechanical materials, and how these evolution pathways result in the macroscopic response of the material. Finally, I will investigate the interplay between microstructural patterns and material heterogeneities (e.g., crack or pore defects), and how this interaction shapes the stretching, bending, or twisting modes of deformation. In line with the AFOSR Materials with Extreme Properties program goals, these findings will not only provide crucial insights into how microstructural phenomena affect macroscopic deformation, but also establish a theoretical and computational framework that would help accelerate the design and development of the next generation of photomechanical materials.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 29, 2024
- Source ID
- FA95502310233
Entities
People
- Ananya Renuka Balakrishna
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of California, Santa Barbara