Research Projects - In situ TEM

The goal of this project is to study the deformation mechanism, mechanical properties of silicon (Si) single crystal under nanotribological loading conditions by using ex situ scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The quantitative correlation between the mechanical properties linked with real time observations of deformation processes will provide a fundamental understanding of the tribological behavior of Si at the nanoscale. more

Here, we study strain und temperature induced phase transformation pathways in high entropy alloys (HEA) by aberration-corrected and in situ scanning transmission electron microscopy (S/TEM). The bidirectional phase transformation (face-centered cubic (FCC) → hexagonal close packed (HCP) → FCC) in a transformation-induced plasticity (TRIP)-assisted high-entropy alloy (HEA) is explored by a combination of atomic resolution imaging and in situ tensile straining. In a similar HEA, the temperature induced transformation from HCP to nanotwinned FCC and associated formation of nanocarbides at the nanotwin boundaries are investigated at atomic resolution by in situ heating. We aim to reveal the atomic scale origins of phase transformations to guide the design of advanced HEAs with a unique combination of strength, ductility and thermal stability. more

The objectives of this project is to understand the strengthening mechanisms of high entropy alloys (HEAs) from a dislocation plasticity point of view. The effects of microstructure and local composition, down to the atomic scale, on the plastic deformation are also investigated to establish a fundamental structure-property relationship of HEAs. more