Crystallography
Crystallography is the scientific study of crystals and their structures. It involves analyzing the arrangement of atoms within solid materials, particularly in crystalline substances where atoms are arranged in a highly ordered, repeating pattern. Crystallography plays a crucial role in various fields, including chemistry, physics, biology, and materials science. Key aspects of crystallography include: 1. **X-ray Diffraction**: This is one of the primary techniques used in crystallography.
Cyclic stress
Cyclic stress refers to the repeated application of stress on a material over time, which can lead to fatigue and eventual failure. It is typically characterized by cycles of loading and unloading, where the stress varies between a minimum and a maximum value. Cyclic stress is important in materials and structural engineering because many components are subject to fluctuating forces during their service life, such as those in rotating machinery, bridges, and aircraft.
Damping capacity
Damping capacity refers to a material's ability to dissipate energy when it is subjected to cyclic loading or vibrations. In other words, it indicates how effectively a material can absorb and dissipate mechanical energy, which reduces the amplitude of vibrations over time. This property is crucial in various applications, such as in engineering and materials science, where controlling vibrations and enhancing stability is essential. Materials with high damping capacity can convert mechanical energy into heat, thereby reducing vibration levels and improving the performance of structures and components.
Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) is a thermal analysis technique used to measure how a material's heat capacity changes as a function of temperature or time. It is commonly employed in materials science, polymer science, food science, pharmaceuticals, and other fields to study the thermal properties of substances. ### Key Features of DSC: 1. **Heat Flow Measurement**: DSC measures the heat flow into a sample compared to a reference material as both are subjected to controlled temperature changes.
Diffusion bonding
Diffusion bonding, also known as diffusion welding, is a solid-state joining process that involves the thermal and/or mechanical interdiffusion of atoms at the interface of two materials to create a bond. This technique is primarily used to join similar or dissimilar materials, particularly metals and ceramics, without melting them.
**Digital Image Correlation (DIC)** is an optical method used primarily to measure displacement and strain on structures and materials. It involves capturing images of a surface before and after deformation, using a high-resolution camera system. Here's how it works: 1. **Surface Preparation**: The object of interest is typically coated with a random speckle pattern, which acts as a reference for tracking movement. This speckle pattern can be created through various means, such as painting or using adhesive sand.
Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) is a sophisticated nanofabrication technique that utilizes the interference of laser beams to create micro- and nanoscale patterns on various surfaces. This process relies on the constructive and destructive interference of coherent laser beams to produce periodic intensity patterns, which can then be transferred to a substrate to create intricate designs. ### Key Features of DLIP: 1. **Interference of Light**: DLIP typically involves the overlapping of two or more coherent laser beams.
Dislocation avalanches
Dislocation avalanches are a phenomenon observed in materials undergoing plastic deformation, particularly in crystalline solids. They refer to sudden and abrupt collective movements of dislocations, which are line defects in the crystal structure of materials. When stress is applied to a material, dislocations can move, leading to plastic deformation. However, under certain conditions, the movement of these dislocations can become unstable and result in a rapid, collective motion, akin to an "avalanche.
Displacement field (mechanics)
In mechanics, the displacement field refers to a vector field that describes the displacement of points in a material body from their original positions due to deformation. It is a fundamental concept in solid mechanics and continuum mechanics, where the behavior of materials under external forces is analyzed.
Double layer forces
Double layer forces refer to the interactions between charged surfaces in a fluid, typically an electrolyte solution. These forces are fundamental in colloid and interface science and are important in various fields such as biology, materials science, and electrochemistry. The concept of double layer forces is based on the formation of an electric double layer (EDL) at the interface between a charged surface and an electrolyte solution.
Dragontrail
Dragontrail is a type of strengthened glass that is commonly used in the manufacturing of electronic devices, particularly smartphones and tablets. Developed by the Japanese company Asahi Glass Co., it is known for its high durability and resistance to scratches and impacts. Dragontrail glass is designed to enhance the robustness of touchscreens and displays, making it suitable for devices that are subject to frequent handling and potential drops.
Durability
Durability generally refers to the ability of an object, material, or system to withstand wear, pressure, or damage. It is a measure of how long something can last under specific conditions without significant deterioration or failure. The concept of durability can apply across various fields, including: 1. **Materials Science**: In materials science, durability is concerned with how materials resist environmental factors like moisture, temperature changes, chemical exposure, and physical forces.
Dynamic mechanical analysis
Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) is a technique used to measure the mechanical properties of materials as they undergo deformation under oscillating loads. This analytical method provides critical information on viscoelastic properties—how materials respond to mechanical stress, including both their elastic and viscous behavior.
Dynamic strain aging
Dynamic strain aging (DSA) is a phenomenon observed in certain metals and alloys, particularly at elevated temperatures and under specific strain rates. It refers to the changes in mechanical behavior that occur as a result of interactions between dislocations (line defects in the crystal structure of materials) and solute atoms or other obstacles within the material.
Dynamic vapor sorption
Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) is an analytical technique used to study the moisture and vapor sorption characteristics of materials, particularly solids like powders, films, and porous materials. It involves exposing a sample to a controlled atmosphere of varying humidity or vapor concentration over time while continuously measuring the mass change of the sample.
Dynamical heterogeneity
Dynamical heterogeneity is a concept primarily used in the field of statistical physics, condensed matter physics, and materials science to describe the varying dynamics of particles within a system. This phenomenon is particularly relevant in the study of glassy systems, supercooled liquids, and critical phenomena. In simple terms, dynamical heterogeneity refers to spatial and temporal variations in the movement or relaxation times of particles.
Dynamical mean-field theory
Dynamical mean-field theory (DMFT) is a theoretical framework used to study strongly correlated electron systems, particularly in the context of condensed matter physics. It is especially useful for understanding phenomena in materials where the interactions between electrons are strong and cannot be treated perturbatively. ### Key Features of DMFT: 1. **Strong Correlation Effects**: In materials with strong electron-electron interactions, many-body effects are significant.
Elastic recoil detection
Elastic Recoil Detection (ERD) is a nuclear analytical technique used primarily for the analysis of thin films and surface layers of materials. In this method, high-energy ions (like protons or alpha particles) are directed at a target sample. When these ions collide with the nuclei of atoms in the sample, some of the target atoms can be recoiled out of the sample due to the elastic scattering process.
Elastomer
An elastomer is a type of polymer that has elastic properties, meaning it can stretch and return to its original shape without permanent deformation. These materials are characterized by their ability to undergo significant elastic deformation when a force is applied and then recover quickly once the force is removed. This makes elastomers particularly useful in a wide range of applications where flexibility and resilience are important.
Electroceramics
Electroceramics are a class of ceramic materials that exhibit significant electrical properties, making them useful for various electronic applications. These materials combine the mechanical strength and stability typical of ceramics with desirable electrical characteristics such as conductivity, dielectric properties, ferroelectricity, piezoelectricity, and ferrimagnetism.