Enhancing Understanding of Materials’ Mechanical Performance through In-Situ Nanomechanical Testing Approach
Nan Li
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM
<[email protected]>
Monday, June 26th
11 AM – Noon
NCRC Building 10 South Atrium
Abstract: During his presentation, Dr. Li will provide an overview of the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies (CINT) user program at Los Alamos National Lab (LANL) and outline the strategic plan for the In situ Characterization and Nanomechanics (ICNM) thrust. The primary objective is to develop and implement cutting-edge in-situ capabilities aimed at understanding the dynamic response of materials and nanosystems to various stimuli, including mechanical, electrical, thermal, and irradiation, etc. The talk will focus on two research projects. First, Dr. Li will discuss the application of in-situ micropillar compression to unravel the mechanisms underlying dislocation-grain boundary interactions. Through this investigation, they have discovered a strong correlation between the work hardening behavior and the geometric compatibility factor of the grain boundary. Secondly, he will delve into the utilization of microscale cantilever beam bending tests to quantify the adhesion strength of Cr coatings on Zry-4 plates and to investigate the influence of irradiation damage on this property.
Bio: Dr. Li earned his Ph.D. degree in Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University, College Station in 2010. Following his graduation, he joined LANL as a postdoctoral researcher and later transitioned to a staff position in 2013. With over 15 years of experience in in-situ microscale mechanical testing, he has made significant contributions to the field of nanomechanics and has published more than 100 journal papers, accumulating over 6000 citations. His work has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the ACTA Award in 2010, TMS Young Leader Professional Development Award in 2014, and TMS-AIME Robert Lansing Hardy Award in 2019. Currently, he serves as the Thrust Leader for the In Situ Characterization and NanoMechanics thrust at the Center for Integrated Nanotechnologies, a DOE-Basic Energy Sciences national user facility.