Strength is one of the most important material properties in engineering applications. With the advanced design of nano-materials and nano-structures, the corresponding computational and theoretical modeling techniques are required in order to optimize the structure design and predicate the enhanced material properties. In this talk, finite element analysis, molecular dynamics simulations, first principle calculations and theoretical modeling techniques will be discussed through the material property characterization of the polymer matrix composites, fused silica and advanced ODS iron alloy (14YWT). Finite element analysis is adopted to optimize the design of thermoplastic composites with interfacial micro-architectural anchoring for enhanced material strength. Multi-scale molecular dynamics simulation technique is employed to understand the phase transition of fused silica to stishovite under shock impact. Theoretical modeling and first-principle theory calculations are discussed to investigate the formation and stability of O-enriched nanoclusters in advanced ODS iron alloy (14YWT). With the self-assembled, ultra-stable Y-Ti-O enriched nanoclusters (2-4 nm in diameter), the 14YWT iron alloy presents excellent strength and hardness at both room temperature and elevated temperature, together with the low creep rate and high radiation resistance, which can be adopted as the first wall basket material for the next generation of fusion energy. These nanoclusters show remarkable stability with various temperature, pressure and irradiation conditions and play an important role in the material property enhancement. In the end, future research direction and collaboration will be discussed.
Dr. Huijuan (Jane) Zhao received her B.S. and M.S. in Engineering Mechanics from Tsinghua University, Beijing, China in 2000 and 2002, respectively. She received her PhD degree in Mechanical Science & Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 2010. She had postdoctoral training in the Material Theory Group of MS&T Division at Oak Ridge National Laboratory between 2010 and 2012. She joined the Mechanical Engineering Department at Clemson University in 2012 and has been promoted to Associate Professor with tenure in Aug, 2018. Dr. Zhao’s research has been focusing on material and structural characterization through computational multi-scale, multi-physics modeling techniques. She is interested in understanding and design of high-performance nano-structured materials for extreme condition applications with a focus of the nano interfaces.