Multiscale Mechanics and Materials Research for Energy Efficiency and Extreme Environments

Hussein Zbib, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering Computational Mechanics and Materials Science Laboratory Washington State University

Hopeman 224

Efficient use of energy recourses and the development of alternative sources of energy depend on new technologies which require designing new classes of materials with superior properties. This includes the development of materials that possess a high degree of material reliability, energy efficiency (lightweight), structural stability, mechanical strength, high ductility, toughness and resistance to fracture and fatigue, for use in emerging technologies, such as new generation airplanes and automobiles, fuel cell technologies, new generation of nuclear reactors, etc. This presentation will give an overview of our research activities in these areas with focus on a multiscale experimental and computational predictive capability which enables fundamental insight into the performance of such material. To illuminate the predictive capability of the multiscale approach, two cases will be highlighted: 1) the development of a new class of nanoscale multilayer metallic /ceramic composites for use in extreme environments, and 2) the development of a predicative capability for investigating the degradation of materials in irradiated environments.