| Abstract Scope |
In recent years, several modeling groups focused on probing the strength, ductility and deformation processes of nanoparticles (NPs) using molecular dynamics, especially to support compression tests within the electron microscopes. Now, studies deal with most of materials classes (e.g., metals, semi-conductors, oxides) including various shapes (e.g. spheres, icosahedron structures, cubes). The NP size ranges from clusters of 1-5 nm up to one hundred nm, which overlaps with the experimental range.
In this talk, we will first present the main features of NPs mechanical properties through a broad literature review and recent studies performed in our respective laboratories. A specific attention will be paid to the influence of several new key-parameters as shape, types of defects and surface state based on recent atomic scale and dislocation dynamics simulations. Finally, we will conclude this prospective talk by underlining the current strengths and weaknesses of existing investigation methods. |