A scanning tunneling microscope will be designed and constructed for measuring surface displacements in the nanometer range in multiphase materials. The results are particularly needed for improving and guiding mechanics modeling of interfacial fracture in composite materials. Initially composites of polymer matrix and graphite fibers, as well as adhesive bonding of metals will be examined, and as the technique is refined the study of the deformation and fracture behavior of interfaces in ceramics and metal based composites should also be possible.
