Physical Behavior of Materials

Division of Materials Sciences and Engineering

Physical behavior refers to the physical response of a material, including the electronic, chemical, magnetic and other properties, to an applied stimulus.  The research in this portfolio aims to characterize, understand, predict, and control physical behavior of materials by developing the scientific basis underpinning the behavior, and furthermore, establishing rigorous physical models for predicting the response of materials.  The forms of stimuli range from temperature, electrical and magnetic fields, chemical and electrochemical environment, and proximity effects of surfaces or interfaces.  Basic research topics supported include characterization of physical properties with an emphasis on the development of new experimental tools and instrumentation, and multi-scale modeling of materials behaviors.  Specific areas of research include: electrochemistry and corrosion, high-temperature materials performance, superconductivity, fuel cells, semiconductors/photovoltaics, and more.

The research in this activity provides the primary support of the fundamental understanding and identification of detailed mechanisms responsible for the physical behavior of materials, and the incorporation of this knowledge into reliable detailed predictive models.  The understanding that has resulted from such modeling work has already led to the design of unique new classes of materials including compound semiconductors, tough structural ceramics, ferroelectrics, and magnetocaloric materials.  For example, the predicted magnetic properties of nanoscale clusters have been verified by high fidelity measurements.  New compound semiconductors have been developed that can remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.  Highly desirable phases of ferroelectric materials can be formed using novel processing techniques.  Breakthrough understanding of the chemistry of friction now enables the tuning of lubrication layers.   For more information about this core research activity, please contact Dr. Refik Kortan.  Click here for information on other core research activities supported by BES.

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Last Modified

07/27/2008