Micromechanics
Micromechanics is an important tool for exploring, understanding, and harnessing the power of materials at the micro- and nano-scale. We focus this core competency towards characterizing and investigating the role of specific microstructures and materials features in mechanical deformation to better engineer materials for the future.
Current areas of focus include:
Using in-situ and ex-situ techniques with capabilities for temperature control, we investigate the specific microstructural mechanisms behind size-dependent materials deformation behavior such as plasticity in brittle materials and strengthening of multi-principle element alloys. This research area also focuses on characterizing materials and microstructures produced through small scale 3D printing.
Indentation mapping enables a mechanical image of phases, boundaries, and grain orientation. It also provides critical insight to localized properties and changes in materials behavior for multi-phase materials. We use this technique to investigate processing-properties relationships in materials and characterization of newly developed materials from additively manufactured shape memory alloys to thin films for photonic applications.
Student Projects
If you are interested in any of these topics for your thesis or semester project, check out our protected pageStudent Projects. In case you are not enrolled at ETHZ, please contact .