Microstructure - Mechanics
The Microstructure - Mechanics research group investigates the interactions between microstructural and mechanical parameters on the mesoscopic length scale of materials. Both the evolution of grains and domains and the resulting heterogeneous microstructure have a decisive influence on the physical properties of materials. Therefore, the understanding of these mechanisms and possible defects is indispensable for the virtual development of materials (virtual material design).
The physical processes at the interfaces are investigated using primarily mechanical, but also chemical, thermal and electromagnetic driving forces. This is done using the phase field method, which is coupled with numerical algorithms. This allows the process parameters to be optimized and consequently production costs to be reduced, effective material properties to be optimized or new materials to be developed. Current research questions relate to the recrystallization process, solid-solid phase transformation processes, electrochemical processes and crack propagation. The materials under consideration are metals, fiber composites, lithium-ion batteries and piezo crystals.
Phase field models and numerical methods for the description of phase transformations, including mechanical driving forces
Model extensions to mechanical driving forces:
- Description of the elasticity of the phase field for diffuse transition regions, based on mechanical jump conditions
- Elastoplastic multiphase field approach
Simulations:
- Crack propagation in brittle and ductile materials
- Influence of the microstructure on mechanical properties
- Recrystallization processes
- Displacement phase transformation processes