Interfacial and Surface Effects on Structural Nanomaterial Properties

In structural materials, there are at least two interacting length scales known to dramatically influence properties of every kind: the length scale set by the free surfaces of the material, and the length scale set by internal interfaces such as grain and phase boundaries. As materials scientists devise new techniques to measure and model important mechanical and physical properties as a function of these length scales down to the atomistic level, materials engineers are developing methods to exploit size dependencies to design and optimize materials. The 2016 Gordon Conference on Structural Nanomaterials will feature a wide range of topics representing such progress, including experimental nanomechanics, stability of nanomaterials, bionanomaterials, nanoprecipitate engineering, nanostructure in advanced alloys and high entropy alloys, contact and wear in nanomaterials, surface stresses and strains, and mechanical effects on functional properties. The Conference will draw together a diverse international collection of investigators bringing new ideas to the field, for detailed discussions and mutual education. Junior scientists and graduate students will present their work in poster sessions and interact with leaders in the field. The program is designed to promote informal interactions across the boundaries of disciplines and cultures, to identify the critical directions for the field.