Edwards Thomas
Senior Researcher, Mechanical Properties Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
NIMS researchers directory, SAMURAI
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Plasticity of alloys and ceramics, Fundamental mechanisms of plasticity, Aerospace alloys, Nano-/micro-mechanics, Thin film deposition.
Research outline
We investigate the fundamental deformation mechanisms of crystalline and amorphous matter, from nano- to macro- lengthscales, to improve mechanical properties in extreme application conditions across a broad range of materials, from engineering alloys to functional ceramics or polymers.
Research Interests
Plasticity, Metallic materials, Electron microscopy in-situ deformation, Material defects / dislocations, Fatigue & fracture.
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Innovation
MSc : Materials Innovation
Message to prospective students
We are a dynamic, international group, welcoming students to conduct cutting-edge research into the fundamental mechanisms of plasticity, and how these control the mechanics of materials in extreme conditions of use.
MITANI Seiji
Managing Researcher, Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
spintronics, magnetic materials, magnetic materials, thin film growth
Research outline
Development of magnetic materials and nanostructures by atomic scale control based on state-of-the-art thin film growth techniques. Searching and understanding new functionalities in spin transport and their application to spintronic devices. Major topics contain interface spin-orbit coupling and spin dependent tunneling in magnetic heterostructures.
Research Interests
magnetoresistance, magnetic memory, magnetic anisotropy, spin accumulation, spin-orbit interaction
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Science and Engineering
MSc : Applied Physics
PhD : Materials Innovation
MSc : Materials Innovation
Message to prospective students
The world of spin is wide. Spintronics covers a variety of research activities from basic phenomena originating from the spin degree of freedom to next-generation information technologies such as magnetic random access memories. Enjoy research and development in this emerging field of electronics!!
Research group website
TAKANO Yoshihiko
Group Leader, Frontier Superconducting Materials Group, Research Center for Materials Nanoarchitectonics, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
superconductivity, functional materials, magnetic materials, semiconductor, thermoelectric materials
Research outline
We are focusing on the physical properties of superconductors including high-Tc superconductor, diamond superconductor, Fe-based superconductor BiS2-based superconductor and pressure induced superconductor. Development of novel devices, including optical and field effect devices, using superconductors, magnetic materials and nano-technologies are targets.
Research Interests
superconductivity, ultra-high pressure, diamond, nanotube, Materials Informatics
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Science and Engineering
MSc : Applied Physics
PhD : Materials Innovation
MSc : Materials Innovation
Message to prospective students
If a room temperature superconductor is discovered, environment energy problems are resolved, since superconductor can transfer electric energy without loss. Let’s discover the room temperature superconductor by your hand!
Research group website
TAKAHASHI Yukiko
Director, Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
magnetic materials, electron microscopy, spintronics
Research outline
We carry out fundamental researches on magnetic recording with high areal density beyond 4 Tbit/in2. For this areal density, new magnetic recording method with an assistance by the external energy such as heat, microwave magnetic field and light is required. To realize an effective magnetization switching, we are developing a new magnetic recording medium suitable for the energy assisted magnetic recording by the control of the microstructure and magnetization dynamics.
Research Interests
control of the magnetization dynamics, magnetic recording, permanent magnet, microstructure, magnetoresistive device
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Innovation
MSc : Materials Innovation
Waseda University Graduate School of Advanced Science and Engineering
Department of Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
* New students are accepted only at the University of Tsukuba.
Message to prospective students
Our group aims the development of the materials for high density magnetic storage/memory. For this, the background of materials and applied physics is necessary. If your area is different, please do not worry. The stuff members with various expertises support your research work. We are looking for meeting the students who have high motivation for the research in the world’s top level research group.
Research group website
OHMURA Takahito
Managing Director, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
structural materials, mechanical properties
Research outline
Mechanical properties of each organization of fine structures are evaluated and establishment of the method which clarifies relation between local mechanical properties and macro mechanical properties has been aimed. As understanding of deformation mechanism which considers scale effects is developed, clarification of application range of current models and suggestion of new mechanism model have been expected to achieve.
Research Interests
steels, yield stress, dislocations, grain boundaries, physical models
Assigned university/courses
Kyushu University Graduate School of Engineering
Department of Materials
Research group website
KITASHIMA Tomonori
Principal Researcher, Additive Manufacturing Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
structural materials, additive manufacturing
Research outline
Our research is focused on development of microstructure/texture control methods, clarification of microstructure/texture formation mechanism and alloy design for additive manufacturing of high temperature metals for aerospace, automotive, power generation applications. We develop new alloys with superior properties for additive manufacturing by optimizing alloy composition and controlling microstructure/crystallographic texture.
Research Interests
additive manufacturing, microstructure/texture formation, alloy design, high temperature metal, titanium alloy, nickel-base superalloy
Assigned university/courses
Kyushu University Graduate School of Engineering
Department of Materials
Message to prospective students
We do research in an international environment using world-level facilities at NIMS. We welcome enthusiastic students who are interested in additive manufacturing of high temperature metals.
Research group website
KAWAGISHI Kyoko
Group Leader, High Temperature Materials Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
structural materials, thermodynamics, high temperature oxidation
Research outline
To improve the thermal efficiency and reduce CO2 emission of next generation jet engine, high-efficiency combined power generation and cogeneration system, various high temperature materials including Ni-base superalloys are studied. We try to improve the mechanical properties such as creep strength by controlling the interface between the matrix phase and precipitation phase, grain boundary, and so on. In addition, by evaluating high temperature oxidation and corrosion resistance and clarifying the mechanisms of such environmental properties, materials for the long-life high-performance materials will be designed.
Research Interests
superalloys, creep, oxidation, hot corrosion, coating
Assigned university/courses
Waseda University Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
Department of Materials Science
Message to prospective students
We are developing world-leading materials for the aero engine and power generation application. Alloy you design may fly in the sky as an aero engine one day.
Research group website
HIROMOTO Sachiko
Group Leader, Corrosion and Protection Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
biomaterials, structural materials, corrosion, surface modification
Research outline
Metallic materials corrode after being used for many years. For the safe use of machines and devices made of metallic materials, surface treatments are applied to give the proper corrosion resistance and surface function (wear resistance, biocompatibility et al.). Our research aims to develop surface coatings of metallic materials depending on the practical service environment of automobiles and medical devices. The surface treatments are performed with dipping and electrophoretic deposition methods. The corrosion tests are performed with immersion tests and electrochemical measurements such as polarization test and impedance measurement. The findings will help to deepen the understanding of the interaction between metal surfaces and solution.
Research Interests
magnesium alloys, biodegradable metals, lightweight materials, corrosion control coating, corrosion property
Assigned university/courses
Waseda University Graduate School of Fundamental Science and Engineering
Department of Materials Science
Message to prospective students
We are developing coatings for Mg alloys to overcome the poor corrosion resistance and to add various surface functions, which leads to promote the practical application of Mg alloys. You can learn electrochemical measurement and surface analysis techniques. Let’s promote the practical application of future materials!
Research group website
SHIBATA Akinobu
Distinguished Group Leader, Steel Research Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
structural materials, steels, mechanical properties, microstructure
Research outline
Main our research target is steel. We are investigating microstructure evolution by phase transformation, relationship between deformation / fracture behavior (mainly brittle fracture, such as hydrogen embrittlement) and microstructure. We try to propose novel alloy design and microstructure design concepts for developing advanced steels from theoretical background.
Research Interests
steel, phase transformation, deformation, fracture, microstructure control
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Science and Engineering
MSc : Materials Science
Message to prospective students
Steels are the most important structural metallic materials. Though steels have a long history, there still remains a lot of unsolved issues. For achieving safe, secure, and sustainable social infrastructures, fundamental research should be necessary. To bring great advance of steel research and develop advanced steels, we look forward to doing research with you.
Research group website
SEPEHRI AMIN Hossein
Group Leader, Green Magnetic Materials Group, Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
magnetic materials, electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, magnetic domain observations, micromagnetic simulations
Research outline
We develop high-performance magnetic materials for green energy conversions and data storage applications. For this purpose, we employ a worldwide unique combinatorial research approach, including advanced multi-scale microstructure characterizations, data science, micromagnetic simulations, and materials processing.
Research Interests
permanent magnets, magnetocaloric materials, electron microscopy, atom probe tomography, micromagnetic simulations
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Innovation
MSc : Materials Innovation
Message to prospective students
Let’s enjoy study together about a broad range of magnetic materials. We are an international group and welcome students to conduct cutting-edge research.
Research group website
SAKURABA Yuya
Group Leader, Magnetic Functional Device Group, Research Center for Magnetic and Spintronic Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
magnetic material, spintronics device, thermoelectric magnetic material
Research outline
Focusing on special transport and thermoelectric effects derived from magnetism and spin, we fabricate and characterize magnetic thin film materials and multilayer nanostructures. In addition to the fundamental research, we are also conducting research for practical devices such as next-generation data storage, ultra-sensitive magnetic sensors, and novel thermoelectric power generation applications.
Research Interests
half-metal, magnetoresistance, next generation storage technology, magnetic & heat flux sensors
Assigned university/courses
University of Tsukuba Graduate School of Pure and Applied Sciences
PhD : Materials Science and Engineering
MSc : Applied Physics
Message to prospective students
Breakthroughs in materials have the power to revolutionize the world. Magnetic materials are already widely used in society, but they have great unexplored potential based on novel spin functions and nanostructures. Let's enjoy exploring unknown materials and devices in the world-class research environment of NIMS with our colleagues who have many different specialties.
Research group website
UEJI Rintaro
Group Leader, Thermomechanical Processing Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
structural materials, metallurgy, metal forming, mechanical properties, phase transformation
Research outline
Research target is the thermomechanical processing of structural metals such as steels. This is useful science to develop new metals with improved properties. We explore uncharted principles of the physical metallurgy for tailoring new metallurgical nanostructure (applied stress effect, etc), and these application to develop new materials and processes.
Research Interests
recrystallization, crystallographic texture, thermomechanical processing, diffusional transformation, lattice defects
Assigned university/courses
Kyushu University Graduate School of Engineering
Department of Materials
Message to prospective students
It is very welcomed to have any question from students or engineers desiring to become the adventurer to world-first discover unrevealed significant principles of physical metallurgy.
Research group website
OSADA Toshio
Group Leader, High-Reliability Heat-Resistant Materials Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
structural material, heat-resistant material, mechanical property, turbine materials
Research outline
Improving the efficiency of aircraft engines and gas turbines for power generation are one of the most important issues in achieving the 2050 carbon neutral target. In order to solve these problems, we are conducting research on the design, evaluation, and property prediction of heat-resistant materials such as Ni-based superalloys and ceramics. Furthermore, we will promote the development of self-healing ceramics inspired from bone healing, and aim for their social implementation.
Research Interests
Ni-based superalloy, self-healing ceramics, microstructure, strength prediction, fracture mechanics
Assigned university/courses
Yokohama National University Graduate School of Engineering Science
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, and Ocean Engineering
Message to prospective students
In this laboratory, we carry out on the research through materials design, evaluation and strength prediction for heat-resistant materials. Further, we also want tot focus on supporting young researchers at companies to obtain PhD degrees. Let's work together to create new heat-resistant materials from NIMS.
Research group website
TSUTSUMI Yusuke
Group Leader, Corrosion Research Group, Research Center for Structural Materials, National Institute for Materials Science
Research field
corrosion engineering, metallurgy, electrochemistry, biomaterials science, corrosion-resistant materials
Research outline
We focus on corrosion, which is one of the most important properties that determine the reliability and safety of materials. We are mainly studying the following subjects on material degradation in the field of hydrogen-related equipments, biomedical implant devices, and infrastructure: Elucidation of corrosion mechanisms, Development of novel corrosion evaluation methods, and Investigation of optimal corrosion prevention techniques.
Research Interests
stainless steels, titanium alloys, zirconium alloys, fuel cell, water electrolyzer
Assigned university/courses
Tokyo Institute of Technology School of Materials and Chemical Technology
Doctoral Program in Materials Science and Engineering
Message to prospective students
“Materials Protection" is an important field of research to utilize existing materials as much as possible. This field is profound and in high demand from industries. If you are at all interested, do not hesitate to contact us. Let's make this world more exciting together!