Award Abstract #0321106
Acquistion of The Nanomechanical Test System for Undergraduate Research and Education

NSF Org:	CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation
Initial Amendment Date:	July 21, 2003
Latest Amendment Date:	September 28, 2004
Award Number:	0321106
Award Instrument:	Standard Grant
Program Manager:	Perumalsamy N. Balaguru CMMI Division of Civil, Mechanical, and Manufacturing Innovation ENG Directorate for Engineering
Start Date:	September 1, 2003
Expires:	August 31, 2005 (Estimated)
Awarded Amount to Date:	$93088
Investigator(s):	Valerie Bennett vbennett@morehouse.edu (Principal Investigator) Willie Rockward (Co-Principal Investigator)
Sponsor:	Morehouse College 830 Westview Drive S W Atlanta, GA 30314 404/681-2800
NSF Program(s):	MAJOR RESEARCH INSTRUMENTATION
Field Application(s):	0308000 Industrial Technology
Program Reference Code(s):	CVIS,1189,1039
Program Element Code(s):	1189

ABSTRACT



0321106

Abstract

The Hysitron TriboScope Nanomechanical test instrument is a quantitative

depth-sensing nanoindentation and nanoscratch system which is interfaced with a scanning

probe microscope (SPM) to provide in-situ imaging. The acquisition of the TriboScope Nanomechanical Test System will enable us to

address some of the open issues in the field of nanoscale structural components. Two of

the open problems include (a) the inconsistent production and fabrication techniques which

lead to varied results for the same nanosystem, (b) the procurement of reliable and

fundamental data banks of durability and material properties, and c) the computational

modeling of nanostructured materials which utilize realistic material properties. The

types of experiments that will be performed on this test system will allow for us to

directly address issues (b) and (c). The tests that will be performed include Modulus,

hardness, fracture toughness measurements, and the generation of force vs. displacement

curves. Nanostructures represent a new field of science that can extend the size, efficiency and

design of well-known materials. As this field has progressed, more elaborate structures

have been generated that require a better understanding and more consistent methodology

for obtaining reliable material properties.

With the nation's most successful Dual-Degree Engineering program for African-American

males, Morehouse College is well positioned to have a significant impact on the production

of engineers of African American lineage by increasing the number and the retention of

students in the engineering and applied physics programs. This equipment will not only serve

undergraduates at Morehouse College, but will also serve neighboring undergraduate liberal

arts colleges in the AUC. Colleges in the consortium directly impacted by the procurement

of this equipment include Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, and Spelman

College, a private liberal arts Historically Black College for African-American females.

Students from these colleges are not only allowed to cross-register and take classes at

the neighboring schools, but may also complete research projects. Therefore, the research

opportunities at Morehouse will also have a direct impact on the students at Clark

Atlanta, Morris Brown and Spelman College.

Please report errors in award information by writing to: awardsearch@nsf.gov.