[nanoPost] Advanced multiscale modeling and simulation techniques in nanotechnology

Advanced multiscale modeling and simulation
techniques in nanotechnology

Researchers are developing advanced multiscale modelling techniques
crossing macro/micro/nano dimensions for nanomanufacturing
and nano-materials. The aim is to break
through what has become an impasse by developing an
innovative multiscale technique to allow reliable analysis
across nanoscopic to macroscopic dimensions. The
advance will enable precise exploration of the
deformation mechanisms in complex systems of nanomanufacturing
and nano-materials, so that quality and
efficiency of these systems will be significantly improved
through controlling and designing the whole processing
not only the macro/micro-scale but also the nano-scale.

Background
Manufacturing has always been a major wealth-creating
sector in developed economies and will be the
cornerstone of long-term economic growth in Australia.
Multiscale manufacturing and materials chjaracterisation
have also produced new challenges. As a base for the
multiscale technique, the behaviour and the properties of
materials should be understood and exploited
completely. To fulfil them, the existing experimental and
simulation techniques are not applicable. It is urgent and
critical in engineering to develop an advanced multiscale
modelling technique crossing scales.

Research aims and results
A novel transition technique with a damping capacity in
the transition zones between the nano/meso/macroscopic
regions has been developed to ensure the fully
seamless and accurate transmission of physical
quantities. A modified plasticity theory based on the
multiscale analysis results is proposed to explore the
multiscale deformation mechanism of materials. The
concurrent modelling and simulation multiscale
technique based on the combination of the macroscopic
method and the atomic method is then developed.
We are developing this advanced multiscale modelling
and simulation technique as well as the powerful
software package. We are also applying this new
technique to many practical problems in nanomanufacturing
and nano-materials including nanomachining,
integrated circuits processing, carbon nanotube
reinforced nano-composites, and
nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) devices.