In this U.S.-Yugoslav cooperative research project in ceramic materials between Snezana Boskovic of the Boris Kidrich Institute of Nuclear Science and T. Y. Tien of the University of Michigan the investigators will study the microstructure of silicon nitride ceramics. Silicon nitride ceramics are considered important materials for high temperature, chemical and mechanical engineering systems. The investigators will study the relationship of silicon nitride powders to the development of improved heat and shock resistent ceramics. The U.S. investigator will prepare samples and measure mechanical properties; the Yugoslav investigator will carry out experiments on structural characteristics. This project was approved by the U.S.-Yugoslav Joint Board on Cooperation in Science and Technology and is supported through a joint fund consisting of matching contributions from the governments of the United States and Yugoslavia. The U.S. contribution is provided annually by the Department of State. No NSF funds are involved. Grants are made to the principal scientific institute in Yugoslavia, but include dollar funds for U.S. scientist travel to Yugoslavia and for Yugoslav scientists' living expenses in the U.S.
