Boston College
Rodney S. Ruoff Northwestern University
Hai Wang University of Delaware
This proposal was received in response to Nanoscale Science and Engineering initiative, NSF 02-148, category NIRT. As scientists and engineers seek to make practical materials and devices from nanostructures, fundamental understanding of nanoscale behavior across length scales is required. The multi-disciplinary research team will take an integrated approach to synthesis, characterization and modeling of nanostructures based on model systems of aligned carbon nanotube arrays. The proposed research will (1) develop and improve techniques for nanotube array synthesis, (2) develop models to elucidate growth mechanisms and optimize nanotube processing, (3) develop novel methods to quantify mechanical properties based upon nanotube structure and interface chemistry, (4) implement atomistic modeling techniques for modeling long-lived physical and mechanical phenomena and establish linkages among atomistic, micro-scale and macro-scale modeling and (5) combine modeling and experimental efforts to explore development of novel three-dimensional scaffolds for nanoscale devices and composites. This research seeks a fundamental understanding in manufacturing processes at the nanoscale, multi-scale and multi-phenomena theory, as well as modeling and simulation at the nanoscale.
