Tim Rupert, Ph.D.

Tim Rupert, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

University of California, Irvine

Speech Title:

Adding Complexions to Nanostructured Metals to Achieve a Unique Combination of Strength and Ductility

Abstract:

In this talk, we explore the usage of “interfacial complexions” in nanostructured metal alloys, with a focus on how these features can be used to achieve unprecedented mechanical properties. Atomistic simulations are used to identify the effects of chemistry, temperature, and boundary character on grain boundary structural transitions, as well as identify how these features impact plasticity and fracture. Microcompression and in-situ bending experiments are used to quantify the effect of doping on mechanical behavior, showing that strength, strain-to- failure, and failure mode can be controlled with the addition of segregating dopants. As a whole, this work lays the foundation for engineering internal interfaces to design better nanomaterials.

Bio:

Tim Rupert is an Assistant Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, with a joint appointment in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science. His research focuses on uncovering new structure-property relationships in nanomaterials for next-generation structural, electronic, and energy components, as well as increasing the reliability and lifetime of these materials. To achieve these goals, his lab uses a combination of cutting-edge experimental, characterization, and computational techniques. Rupert has received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, a partment of Energy Early Career Research Program Award, a Young Investigator Program Award from the Army Research Office, and a Hellman Fellowship in recent years for work in this field. He received a B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University in 2007 and a Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from MIT in 2011.