Dr. Jin Wang

Microstructure plays a critical role in material properties, especially for high-performance metals that are used in energy systems at high temperature and pressure. Variations in grains and phases with different chemical compositions, geometries, sizes, and their fractions can significantly influence the mechanical performance of materials including strength, toughness, and fatigue resistance. Altering these properties has relied on the introduction of various alloying elements, or optimization of the production process, which can fine-tune the microstructure.

We use different nanoindentation-based techniques to study localized deformation mechanisms ex-situ and in-situ inside the SEM and TEM optional with “High-Throughput-Testing”, at room and elevated temperatures and at different strain rates. Miniaturized experiments, such as uniaxial compression/tension, beam bending and fracture as well as high-cycle fatigue are frequently used in this regard. Such microstructural-resolution-mechanical-characterization helps understanding the fundamental deformation mechanisms of individual microstructures, consequently the complex interplay of the different features, and ultimately the macroscopic mechanical behavior of materials for structural applications.