9308168 Suits This work addresses fundamental issues of atomic and electronic structure and the deformation mechanism in cluster-assembled nanophase metals. Nuclear magnetic resonance (nmr) techniques will be applied to metallic samples prepared by consolidation of small clusters. These nanophase samples will have a grain size of a few nanometers and can be up to five times stronger than the same material with a larger grain size. The atomic scale effect on the nmr response and the site-selective nature of the nmr measurements will provide a new and unique view of the structure of these materials. The NMR work is performed in conjunction with sample preparation performed at Argonne National Laboratory. %%% Nuclear Magnetic resonance (NMR) provides information on the structural and electronic properties of materials as seen by individual atoms. Metals produced by consolidation of very small crystalline particles (10 to 30 atoms across), referred to as nanophase metals, have significantly enhanced mechanical properties compared to the naturally occuring material. This work will apply techniques of NMR to help understand the enhanced mechanical properties from an atomic viewpoint. This will aid in the development of new materials and new uses for these materials. The NMR work is performed in conjunction with sample preparation performed at Argonne National Laboratory. ***
