Microstructures in
solids
We
study the origin of microstructural properties of solids
through the modelization of the conditions under which
they are formed. For this, we use a formulation in terms
of phase field models.
This field involves several research lines:
- Study of long time dynamics in solidification
processes. The scale of the microstructure of the solid
inhomogeneities is determined by the initial destabilization
of the front and by the dynamics at long times. We study
the dendritic regime, and in particular the onset of
oscillations and their effect on lateral sidebranching.
- Development of numerical simulations for the
study of policrystalline materials. This involves a
generalization of the phase field models appropriate
to this case, in order to model experimental situations.
- Influence of convection in the dynamics of
solidification. This includes the theoretical study
of a front in directional solidification, as well as
the introduction of convection in a phase-field model,
to study numerically the dynamics at medium and long
times.
- Nanostructures in thin films grown in far from
equilibrium situations. The conditions under which the
thin films are grown may create morphological changes
of relevance at nanometric scale. The appearance of
these nanostructures has been associated with changes
in the macroscopic properties of the films, as the hardness.
The modelization of the growth of the films allows to
interpret and predict the appearance of these morphologies.
