1. Introduction: Application and properties of micro- and nanosystems; Overview on size effects

2. Fundamentals: Dislocation plasticity (definition of a dislocation; dislocation density, mobility, dislocation sources, statistical aspects incl. SSDs and GNDs).

3. Single crystal plasticity: mechanical and microstructure characterization, mechanisms and their size dependence.

4. Interface plasticity: Compatibility, slip transfer mechanisms, expected size effects.

5. Modelling of mechanisms causing size effects in crystals and at grain boundaries, e.g. dislocation dynamics.
6. Thin film materials: synthesis, characterization and mechanical properties.

7. Nanocrystalline materials: Synthesis, outstanding mechanical properties

The students know and understand size and scaling effects in micro- and nanosystems based on the fundamental microstructure mechanisms at play. They can describe the mechanical behavior of nano- and microstructured materials and analyze and explain the origin for the differences compared to classical material behavior. They are able to explain suitable processing routes, experimental characterization techniques and adequate modelling schemes for nano- and microstructured materials.

regular attendance: 22,5 hours

self-study: 97,5 hours

oral exam ca. 30 minutes

1. M. Ohring: „The Materials Science of Thin Films“, Academic Press, 1992
2. L.B. Freund and S. Suresh: „Thin Film Materials