Research summary
Practical engineering materials like metals are complex collections of crystals or grains that are inhomogeneous (that is, not uniform). These grains behave differently according to their orientation and surroundings. Engineers have generally ignored this trait when estimating how a material responds under stress. But to fully understand how these materials behave, they must consider their inherently inhomogeneous characteristics.
Dr. Mark Daymond, Canada Research Chair in Mechanics of Materials, is investigating the influence of local inhomogeneity on materials’ deformation and other processes that occur under stress and temperature fluctuations. In particular, he and his research team are focusing on the impact of radiation on local-scale phenomena. Ultimately, they aim to define the deformation mechanisms that drive the development of practical engineering techniques and component design.