Acquistion of The Nanomechanical Test System for Undergraduate Research and Education

Morehouse College, Atlanta GA

Investigators

Abstract

0321106 Abstract The Hysitron TriboScope Nanomechanical test instrument is a quantitative depth-sensing nanoindentation and nanoscratch system which is interfaced with a scanning probe microscope (SPM) to provide in-situ imaging. The acquisition of the TriboScope Nanomechanical Test System will enable us to address some of the open issues in the field of nanoscale structural components. Two of the open problems include (a) the inconsistent production and fabrication techniques which lead to varied results for the same nanosystem, (b) the procurement of reliable and fundamental data banks of durability and material properties, and c) the computational modeling of nanostructured materials which utilize realistic material properties. The types of experiments that will be performed on this test system will allow for us to directly address issues (b) and (c). The tests that will be performed include Modulus, hardness, fracture toughness measurements, and the generation of force vs. displacement curves. Nanostructures represent a new field of science that can extend the size, efficiency and design of well-known materials. As this field has progressed, more elaborate structures have been generated that require a better understanding and more consistent methodology for obtaining reliable material properties. With the nation's most successful Dual-Degree Engineering program for African-American males, Morehouse College is well positioned to have a significant impact on the production of engineers of African American lineage by increasing the number and the retention of students in the engineering and applied physics programs. This equipment will not only serve undergraduates at Morehouse College, but will also serve neighboring undergraduate liberal arts colleges in the AUC. Colleges in the consortium directly impacted by the procurement of this equipment include Clark Atlanta University, Morris Brown College, and Spelman College, a private liberal arts Historically Black College for African-American females. Students from these colleges are not only allowed to cross-register and take classes at the neighboring schools, but may also complete research projects. Therefore, the research opportunities at Morehouse will also have a direct impact on the students at Clark Atlanta, Morris Brown and Spelman College.