Showing papers by "Jeffrey W. Kysar published in 2009"

Nonlinear elastic behavior of graphene: Ab initio calculations to continuum description

Abstract: The nonlinear in-plane elastic properties of graphene are calculated using density-functional theory. A thermodynamically rigorous continuum description of the elastic response is formulated by expanding the elastic strain energy density in a Taylor series in strain truncated after the fifth-order term. Upon accounting for the symmetries of graphene, a total of fourteen nonzero independent elastic constants are determined by least-squares fit to the ab initio calculations. The nonlinear continuum description is valid for infinitesimal and finite strains under arbitrary in-plane tensile loading in circumstance for which the bending stiffness can be neglected. The continuum formulation is suitable for incorporation into the finite element method.

Elastic and frictional properties of graphene

Abstract: We descnbe studies of the elastic properties and frictional characteristics of graphene samples of varying thickness using an atomic force microscope. For tensile testing, graphene is suspended over micron-sized circular holes and indented by atomic force microscope (AFM) tips. Fitting of the force-displacement curves yields the prestress and elastic stiffness, while comparison of the breaking force to simulation gives the ultimate strength, which is the highest measured for any material. Experiments on samples with 1-3 atomic layers yield similar values for the intrinsic stiffness and strength of a single sheet, but also reveal differences in mechanical behavior with thickness. The frictional force between an AFM tip and graphene decreases with thickness for samples from 1 to 4 layers, and does not depend on the presence of a substrate. High-resolution friction force imaging in stick-slip mode shows the same trend, and allows direct imaging of the crystal lattice.

Nanoporous Metals by Alloy Corrosion: Formation and Mechanical Properties

Abstract: Nanoporous metals prepared by the corrosion of an alloy can take the form of monolithic, millimeter-sized bodies containing approximately 1015 nanoscale ligaments per cubic millimeter. The ligament size can reach down to the very limits of stability of nanoscale objects. The processes by which nanoporous metals are formed have continued to be fascinating, even though their study in relation to surface treatment, metal refinement, and failure mechanisms can be traced back to ancient times. In fact, the prospect of using alloy corrosion as a means of making nanomaterials for fundamental studies and functional applications has led to a revived interest in the process. The quite distinct mechanical properties of nanoporous metals are one of the focus points of this interest, as relevant studies probe the deformation behavior of crystals at the lower end of the size scale. Furthermore, the coupling of bulk stress and strain to the forces acting along the surface of nanoporous metals provide unique opportunities for controlling the mechanical behavior through external variables such as the electrical or chemical potentials.

Nanoporous Metals by Alloy Corrosion: Formation and Mechanical

Abstract: Nanoporous metals prepared by the corrosion of an alloy can take the form of monolithic, millimeter-sized bodies containing approximately 1015 nanoscale ligaments per cubic millimeter. The ligament size can reach down to the very limits of stability of nanoscale objects. The processes by which nanoporous metals are formed have continued to be fascinating, even though their study in relation to surface treatment, metal refinement, and failure mechanisms can be traced back to ancient times. In fact, the prospect of using alloy corrosion as a means of making nanomaterials for fundamental studies and functional applications has led to a revived interest in the process. The quite distinct mechanical properties of nanoporous metals are one of the focus points of this interest, as relevant studies probe the deformation behavior of crystals at the lower end of the size scale. Furthermore, the coupling of bulk stress and strain to the forces acting along the surface of nanoporous metals provide unique opportunities for controlling the mechanical behavior through external variables such as the electrical or chemical potentials.

Fracture in electrophoretically deposited CdSe nanocrystal films

Abstract: We have studied the fracture, strain, and stress of electrophoretically deposited (EPD) films of CdSe nanocrystals as a function of the film thickness, nanocrystal size, and drying method. Fracture results from the film stress that develops with the loss of residual solvent after EPD when the film exceeds a threshold thickness that increases with nanocrystal core diameter from ∼300 to 1200 nm for core diameters from 2.3 to 5.0 nm, respectively. A hierarchical pattern of wider first generation and then narrower higher-generation cracks is observed after drying and this generational crack formation and a preferred direction for film drying are observed in real time. Delamination is seen to initiate from wider cracks, mostly between the bulk of the film and a very thin layer of nanocrystals strongly bound to the Au-coated silicon substrate. Estimates of the film toughness are made for channel cracking and delamination.

Dynamic Material Response of Aluminum Single Crystal Under Microscale Laser Shock Peening

Abstract: The process of laser shock peening induces compressive residual stresses in a material to improve material fatigue life. For micron sized laser beams, the size of the laser-target interaction zone is of the same order of magnitude as the target material grains, and thus the target material must be considered as being anisotropic and inhomogeneous. Single crystals are chosen to study the effects of the anisotropic mechanical properties. It is also of interest to investigate the response of symmetric and asymmetric slip systems with respect to the shocked surface. In the present study, numerical and experimental aspects of laser shock peening on two different crystal surfaces (110) and (114) of aluminum single crystals are studied. Lattice rotations on the top surface and cross section are measured using electron backscatter diffraction, while residual stress is characterized using X-ray microdiffraction. A numerical model has been developed that takes into account anisotropy as well as inertial terms to predict the size and nature of the deformation and residual stresses. Obtained results were compared with the experimental finding for validation purpose.

Comparative study of symmetric and asymmetric deformation of Al single crystal under microscale laser shock peening

Abstract: Laser shock peening by a micron sized laser beam is a process in which compressive residual stresses are induced in order to improve material fatigue life of micro scale components. The size of the laser target interaction zone is of the same order of magnitude as the target material grains and thus the effects of anisotropic material response must be taken into account. Single crystals are therefore chosen to study such anisotropy. It is also of interest to investigate the response of symmetric and asymmetric slip systems with respect to the yield surface. In presented work, analytic, numerical and experimental investigations of two different orientations, (110) and (1 1 4) of aluminum single crystals are studied. Anisotropic slip line theory is employed for the construction of slip line fields for both orientations and compared with numerical results. Theory is further used to explain the difference in plastic deformation for two different orientations. Lattice rotations on the top surface and cross section are also measured using Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), while residual stress is measured using X-ray microdiffraction. Both the analytical and numerical models are then validated via experimental results.

Force, pressure, or stiffness measurement or calibration using graphene or other sheet membrane

Abstract: Force, pressure, or stiffness measurement or calibration can be provided, such as by using a graphene or other sheet membrane, which can provide a specified number of monolayers suspended over a substantially circular well. In an example, the apparatus can include a substrate, including a substantially circular well. A deformable sheet membrane can be suspended over the well. The membrane can be configured to include a specified integer number of one or more monolayers. A storage medium can comprise accompanying information about the suspended membrane or the substrate that, with a deflection displacement response of the suspended membrane to an applied force or pressure, provides a measurement of the applied force or pressure.

Direct comparison between experiments and computations at the atomic length scale: a case study of graphene

Abstract: This paper discusses a set of recent experimental results in which the mechanical properties of monolayer graphene molecules were determined. The results included the second-order elastic modulus which determines the linear elastic behavior and an estimate of the third-order elastic modulus which determines the non-linear elastic behavior. In addition, the distribution of the breaking force strongly suggested the graphene to be free of defects, so the measured breaking strength of the films represented the intrinsic breaking strength of the underlying carbon covalent bonds. The results of recent simulation efforts to predict the mechanical properties of graphene are discussed in light of the experiments. Finally, this paper contains a discussion of some of the extra challenges associated with experimental validation of multi-scale models.