Abstract
Million-atom molecular-dynamics (MD) simulations are performed to study the structure, mechanical properties, and dynamic fracture in nanophase Si3N4. We find that intercluster regions are highly disordered: 50% of Si atoms in intercluster regions are three-fold coordinated. Elastic moduli of nanophase Si3N4 as a function of grain size and porosity are well described by a multiphase model for heterogeneous materials. The study of fracture in the nanophase Si3N4 reveals that the system can sustain an order-of-magnitude larger external load than crystalline Si3N4. This is due to branching and pinning of the crack front by nanoscale microstructures.
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 205-210 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Materials Research Society Symposium - Proceedings |
Volume | 457 |
Publication status | Published - Jan 1 1997 |
Externally published | Yes |
Event | Proceedings of the 1996 MRS Fall Symposium - Boston, MA, USA Duration: Dec 2 1996 → Dec 5 1996 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Materials Science(all)
- Condensed Matter Physics
- Mechanics of Materials
- Mechanical Engineering