Department Micro Mechanics of Materials   Micro Mechanics of Materials

Micromechanics of Materials Group
Prof.dr.ir. E. van der Giessen
tel. +31 15 278 6500, fax +31 15 278 2150, E.vanderGiessen@wbtm.tudelft.nl

This is a novel programme that has started in the academic year 1996-1997. Micromechanics is a field that operates at the interface between constructive engineering disciplines (for instance, mechanical engineering) and materials science, and aims at integrating them. The way to implement this integration is to link the internal structure of the material to the resulting mechanical properties relevant for the application: the so-called structure-property relationships. This is precisely the objective of micromechanics of materials: a relatively young, multidisciplinary approach to explain and characterize macroscopic behaviour from microscopic structure. Conversely, the necessary microstructure can be designed to meet the desired macroscopic material properties.

The programme aims at providing students with a basic set of theories and tools, enhance their background in the physics of material behaviour and bring them in touch with modern issues of mechanical properties. After having graduated in this subject, students should be able to perform independent micromechanics research using the theories and methods offered throughout the curriculum. In addition, they should have a basic knowledge about how to identify the physical mechanisms for a range of material behavior and should be capable of interacting on structure–property relationships with materials scientists.

Research in our group is usually regarded as being of a fundamental nature, but the motivation for all problems under investigation derives directly from practice. Current research includes work on metals, polymers and ceramics, supplemented with a number of their composites. The common research questions are: how does a material with this particular microstructure deform this way; why and how does it fail; and how can we improve strength and toughness? Whatever the real size of micro is, depends on the phenomena that we are interested in; at the moment, this size scale goes down to submicron scale for some problems.

Our research focusses primarily on computational modelling. The experimental part of our projects is usually of a materials science nature, and is therefore carried out in collaboration with materials science groups (for instance, at STM). Final degree projects are commonly carried out as a part of somebody Ph.D.'s project, but there is room for alternatives.

The driving force for a far-reaching integration of constructive engineering disciplines and materials science is initiated by industry. Especially at larger industries and at institutes for Research and Development there is an increasing need for qualified people being trained in both disciplines. Yet, in view of the nature of the field, a substantial part of people having majored in micromechanics of materials will continue for a Ph.D.

Structure of programme

Required courses

Selected course

These courses are to be selected, in agreement with Prof. van der Giessen, mainly among the courses offered by the department of materials science and the mathematics department.

Up-to-date information about the programme in our section can be found on the Web at:
http://www-tm.wbmt.tudelft.nl/~wbtmeyg/hoofdvakE.htm