Laser-heated pedestal growth
Laser-Heated Pedestal Growth (LHPG) is a crystal growth technique primarily used for the synthesis of high-quality single crystals of materials, particularly semiconductors and other advanced materials. The technique utilizes a focused laser beam to create a localized heating zone at the interface between a solid crystal and a liquid melt, known as the pedestal.
Lever rule
The Lever Rule is a principle used in materials science and thermodynamics to determine the relative amounts of different phases in a two-phase system at equilibrium. It is particularly useful in the context of phase diagrams, such as binary alloy phase diagrams, where two phases coexist at a specific temperature and composition. The basic idea of the Lever Rule is based on the balance of masses between the two phases. When two phases are present, their compositions can be determined from the phase diagram.
Lightweighting
Lightweighting refers to the process of reducing the weight of a product, structure, or component while maintaining or enhancing its performance, safety, and structural integrity. This practice is particularly relevant in various industries, including automotive, aerospace, construction, and consumer goods. The key objectives of lightweighting include: 1. **Fuel Efficiency**: In the automotive and aerospace industries, lighter vehicles consume less fuel, leading to reduced operational costs and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Liquidus and solidus
Liquidus and solidus are terms used in materials science, particularly in phase diagrams and the study of phase transitions in substances, especially alloys and melts. 1. **Liquidus**: The liquidus is the temperature above which a material is entirely in the liquid state. Below this temperature, solid phases begin to form as the material cools. In a phase diagram, the liquidus line represents the boundary between the fully liquid phase and the mixture of liquid and solid phases.
Materials analysis encompasses a variety of techniques used to characterize the structure, composition, and properties of materials. Here’s a list of common materials analysis methods: ### 1. **Microscopy Techniques** - **Optical Microscopy**: Uses visible light to magnify samples. - **Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)**: Provides high-resolution images by scanning a sample with a focused beam of electrons.
There are several software tools available for modeling nanostructures that cater to various aspects like electronic properties, molecular dynamics, geometry optimization, and more. Here are some of the popular options: 1. **Quantum ESPRESSO**: An integrated suite for electronic-structure calculations and materials modeling at the nanoscale based on density functional theory (DFT).
Lode coordinates
Lode coordinates are a system used in material science, particularly in the study of plasticity and the behavior of materials under stress. Specifically, Lode coordinates help describe the state of stress in materials through a graphical representation in a triangular coordinate system. In three-dimensional stress space, the Lode parameter is associated with the third invariant of the deviatoric stress tensor, which provides insight into how materials yield and fail under various loading conditions.
Low-energy ion scattering
Low-Energy Ion Scattering (LEIS) is a surface analysis technique used to study the composition, structure, and properties of the outermost layers of solid materials. In LEIS, low-energy ions (typically in the range of a few keV) are directed at a sample surface. The interaction between the ions and the atoms in the surface leads to scattering events that can be analyzed to provide information about the surface composition and arrangement of atoms.
Low-κ dielectric
Low-κ (low-k) dielectrics refer to materials that have a low dielectric constant (κ) compared to traditional dielectric materials, such as silicon dioxide (SiO₂), which has a dielectric constant of around 3.9. Low-κ dielectrics typically have dielectric constants less than 3.9, and they are primarily used in semiconductor manufacturing and integrated circuits.
Lunar regolith simulant
Lunar regolith simulant is a synthetic material designed to mimic the physical and chemical properties of the soil found on the Moon's surface, known as lunar regolith. This simulant is used for a variety of purposes, including scientific research, engineering experiments, and astronaut training. Lunar regolith consists of fine particles produced by the grinding and weathering of rocks and minerals, as well as glassy fragments formed by impacts from meteorites.
MEMS thermal actuator
MEMS (Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems) thermal actuators are tiny devices that convert thermal energy into mechanical motion at the micro scale. These actuators leverage the principle of thermal expansion, where materials expand or contract in response to temperature changes, to produce movement.
MXenes
MXenes are a family of two-dimensional (2D) materials that are composed of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides. They were first discovered in 2011 and have since attracted significant interest in the fields of materials science and engineering due to their unique properties and potential applications.
Machine learning potential
Machine Learning Potential (MLP) is a concept used in materials science and computational chemistry to model the potential energy surface of a system using machine learning techniques. It aims to provide an efficient and accurate way to estimate the interactions between atoms in a molecular or crystalline system without having to rely on traditional quantum mechanical calculations, which can be computationally expensive.
Macrograph
A macrograph generally refers to a large-scale representation or visualization of data or information that is intended to provide an overview or highlight key patterns, trends, and relationships within the data. The term can be applied in various fields, such as: 1. **Mathematics and Statistics**: A macrograph might represent aggregated data sets to illustrate overall trends, such as in population studies, economic reports, or scientific data analysis.
Magnetoelectric effect
The magnetoelectric effect is a phenomenon in which a material can exhibit electric polarization in response to an applied magnetic field, or conversely, a change in magnetization in response to an applied electric field. This coupling between magnetic and electric orders is found in certain materials and is of significant interest in fields such as condensed matter physics, materials science, and potential applications in spintronics and information technology.
Magnetorheological elastomer
Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are advanced materials that exhibit the ability to change their mechanical properties in response to an applied magnetic field. They are a type of smart material that combines traditional elastomers (like rubber) with magnetorheological (MR) particles, typically made of magnetically susceptible materials such as iron or cobalt.
Martian regolith simulant
Martian regolith simulant is a synthetic material designed to mimic the physical and chemical properties of the surface soil found on Mars, known as Martian regolith. Scientists and researchers create these simulants to facilitate experiments and studies in various fields such as planetary science, astrobiology, and engineering for future Mars missions.
Material failure theory
Material failure theory is a framework used to predict when materials will fail under various types of loads and conditions. It is critical in engineering and materials science, as understanding failure mechanisms helps in the design of safer and more reliable structures and components. The theory encompasses several models and criteria that describe how materials respond to stress and strain, ultimately leading to failure.
Material selection
Material selection is the process of choosing appropriate materials for a specific application or product based on various criteria. It involves evaluating different materials based on their properties, performance, cost, availability, and environmental impact. The main objective of material selection is to ensure that the chosen materials meet the mechanical, thermal, electrical, and chemical requirements of the application, while also being cost-effective and sustainable.
Materials Science Laboratory
A Materials Science Laboratory is a specialized facility dedicated to the study, analysis, and experimentation of various materials to understand their properties, behaviors, and applications. This type of laboratory is often found in academic institutions, research organizations, and industrial settings where materials development and testing are critical.