Scientific Events

Recent studies have shown that the passage of an electric current pulse may both propagate [1,2] and close a crack and heal a metallic material [3]. Specifically, experiments on thin Al foils containing edge cracks have proved that the self-induced electromagnetic forces, spontaneously generated upon passage of an electric current across a crack in a sample, alone could cause crack propagation without melting of the crack tip [1]. The critical current density required for crack propagation reduces in the presence of an external magnetic field [4] as well as mechanical load [5]. On the other hand, if an electric current pulse of large pulse width is passed through an electrically and thermally resistive material, such as stainless steel, containing a short crack, the crack may completely close, and the material can heal through the solid-state diffusion bonding process [3]. Here, we discuss the reasons behind crack propagation upon application of electric current and then explore the mechanics as well as microstructural attributes responsible for a transition from flaw propagation to flaw healing upon passage of an electric current pulse. Furthermore, the recovery of the mechanical properties of the material upon electric current-induced healing will also be discussed. [more]

Defects and Grain boundaries have a remarkable effect on the thermal and electrical transport properties of polycrystalline materials but are often ignored by prevailing physical theories. The concentration of point defects can be altered with phase boundary mapping considering the defect thermodynamics. Thus, the properties can be engineered with careful processing control. Grain boundaries and interfaces can adversely alter the thermal and electrical properties of Power Electronics, Solar Cells, Batteries, Thermoelectrics and permanent magnets such as interfacial electrical and thermal resistance (Kapitza resistance). Interfacial thermal resistance limits the performance of power electronics because of overheating. New scanning thermal reflectance techniques can image the thermal resistance of interfaces and boundaries directly. The Thermal conductivity suppression at grain boundaries can even be imaged showing that different grain boundaries can have very different thermal resistances with high energy grain boundaries having more resistance and low energy boundaries having lower thermal resistance. Interfaces and grain boundaries are 2-dimensional thermodynamic phases (complexions) that have distinct energy, composition and properties that can be rigorously described using the Gibbs excess formalism. The common thermodynamic quantities of temperature and chemical potential connects the complexions to the 3-D phases allowing a phase boundary mapping of grain boundary and interface properties similar to that for point defects. [more]

The energy transition requires the introduction of sustainable energy sources. Hydrogen is one of these options, but its efficient and sustainable production from water splitting as well as its storage is still a challenge. In order to understand the structure-property at different length scales, it is essential to combine complementary in situ/operando techniques with ex situ analysis. [more]