Prof. Dr. Alexander Hartmaier

Developing innovative materials that meet the complex requirements of a divert range of applications is only possible if the relation between their inner structure, i.e. the microstructure, and their properties is thoroughly understood. We aim at deriving such microstructure-property-relationships to predict mechanical properties of materials, like strength, hardness and toughness, by employing the methods of computational materials science and multiscale modelling. To accomplish this we start at the atomic scale, where large-scale molecular dynamics simulations help us to understand for example the evolution of complex dislocation structures under nanoindentations, or the interaction of dislocations with grain boundaries. This information is then used to model the mechanical behaviour of ultra-fine grained materials or the fracture toughness of polycrystals. Activities that have been launched in cooperation with the other departments at ICAMS include the prediction of the microstructural evolution during plastic deformation and grain growth in nanocrystals. Key experiments that we conduct in cooperation with the ICAMS Advanced Study Groups and also with other partners are essential to verify, validate and thus improve our models.

Structure:

The department is structured into three groups:

	Mechanical Properties of interfaces (Dr. Rebecca Janisch)
	Discrete Micromechanics and Fracture (Dr. Steffen Brinckmann)
	Crystal Plasticity Modelling and Simulation (Dr. Anxin Ma)

Student Projects

A list of research projects currently offered in the department of Micromechanical and Macroscopic Modelling (Prof. Hartmaier) can be found here.