6532 Boelter Hall, Los Angeles, California - 90024
Our effort is to create a science base in quantitative relations between the microstructural parameters and macroscopic mechanical response of high temperature composites. Such relationships would permit dependable engineering of composite structural components for safe and reliable service at elevated temperatures. We are conducting experimental and theoretical work to study the significant issues on mechanisms and mechanics of deformation and fracture of high temperature composites. We are developing several high temperature materials with an industrial collaborators, such as Cr(Mo)/NiAl eutectic composite and oxide/oxide eutectic fibers (Y3Al5O12/Al2O3 and Al2O3/ZrO2(Y2O3)) using the directional solidification technique. Currently, we are conducting experimental work to study the kinetics and mechanisms of microstructural instability as well the creep and strength degradation deformation mechanisms. We are investigating the sintering and mechanical behavior of nano-sized Si3N4 and SiC for high temperature applications.