Deformation and Failure in 4D

Metals are known to exhibit superior mechanical properties. These are determined by a complex internal structure, which is organized hierarchically with atomic scale defects forming patterns within crystals. The complexity implies that simulations have failed rather spectacularly in predicting properties from first principles. In DeF4D we apply novel x-ray microscopes, which we will build at the facilites ESRF and EuXFEL, to film the structural evolution directly – on all relevant length and time scales, and in 3D. This will allow us to answer fundamental questions such as: How does the material become stronger?  How do samples break?  Where in the sample does failure nucleate and how does the local structure and stress determine crack formation? We will use the data to establish theory and optimize deformation and failure models. Ultimately, we aim to provide a first principles multi-scale model for the design of lighter, stronger and more CO₂ friendly metals.