Mechanical Properties Group

About us

The effect of microstructure on mechanical properties is closely related to deformation behavior on the same scale as the structure size. In our group, by nanoscale local mechanical behavior analysis and atomic scale modeling, we clarify the effects of lattice defects such as dislocations, solute elements, grain boundaries, and second phases on mechanical behavior. We aim to elucidate the elementary processes in which macromechanical properties appear, and to present new guiding principles for strength design.

Members

  • Takahito Ohmura
    Takahito Ohmura

    Director, Research Center for Structural Materials

    Keyword: nanoindentation, electron microscope in situ deformation, elasto-plastic deformation, dislocation, yield stress

  • Masato Wakeda
    Masato Wakeda

    Principal Researcher, Mechanical Properties Group, Materials Evaluation Field, Research Center for Structural Materials

    Keyword: metallic materials, strengthening factors, high-precision analysis, lattice defects, nanoscale calculations

  • Thomas Edwards
    Thomas Edwards

    Senior Researcher, Mechanical Properties Group, Materials Evaluation Field, Research Center for Structural Materials

    Keyword: plasticity, electron microscopy in-situ, deformation, material defects / dislocations, 3D-materials science, fatigue & fracture, metallic materials, ceramics

Specialized Research Field

Nanoscale mechanical characterization & In-situ deformation analysis in a TEM

The nanoindentation method, which can directly evaluate the mechanical behavior at the nano-submicron scale, enables precise analysis of the microstructure-mechanical response.
In addition, TEM or SEM in-situ deformation analysis enables a more detailed understanding of the relationship between mechanical behavior and deformation structure on a microscopic scale.
Through these experimental analyses, it is possible to select a specific structure and quantitatively evaluate the mechanical response, and to elucidate the relationship between the formation process of the deformed structure and the mechanical response.

Theoretical approach of strengthening mechanism based on atomic-scale simulations

Atomic-scale simulation techniques such as first-principles and molecular dynamics calculations are powerful approaches for unveiling the effects of lattice defects (such as dislocations, grain boundaries, precipitates, and solute atoms) on the mechanical properties of structural materials.
We are investigating the interaction between lattice defects, microscopic deformation dynamics, and the effects of microstructure on the macroscopic strength of structural materials using atomic-scale calculation methods. We are also constructing more effective analysis methods to uncover the microscopic origins of mechanical properties.