Multi-phase materials

As a general rule, the mechanical properties such as ductility, strength, resistance to creep and fatigue of engineering materials are determined by their (micro)structure at different geometric scales. 

For a vast majority of materials, the microstructure can be characterized as a composite of different phases, sometimes with vastly different properties. As a consequence, the behaviour of such multiphase material is determined by the properties of the individual phases and the fashion in which these phases interact. The ultimate goal is to use this type of knowledge and predictive capability as a key ingredient in the design of high-performing, durable and reliable products for a sustainable society.

The character of the research activities within our division in this active field is generic to a quite large extent; therefore, it can be applied to a wide range of materials within the various fields of mechanical, civil, aerospace and vehicle engineering. More specifically, the research is currently focused on hard-metals, high-temperature alloys, pearlitic steel, porous media, rock and concrete. As to the mathematical modelling, the research activities include plasticity, viscoplasticity, crystal plasticity, gradient plasticity, cohesive zone modelling, fluid-solid micro-interaction, computational homogenization, finite element technology (such as XFEM).