Molecular dynamics simulations of nanomachining

Many mechanical and optical parts in high-precision technology are made of ceramics. However, because of their brittleness it is essential to machine these materials in the ductile regime. In order to obtain a fundamental understanding of these processes on the nanoscale, we are carrying out molecular dynamics simulations of the nanomachining of silicon carbide by diamond, since these materials are often used in mechanical processing. In particular, we would like to determine under what conditions the removal process in the grinding of brittle materials involves only plastic deformation. This research is a joint project being carried out in collaboration with Professor Ioan Marinescu of MIME (Mechanical and Industrial Manufacturing Engineering) who is focusing on the experimental aspects of nanomachining, as well as with Alice Noreyan, who is a Ph.D. student in MIME that I am co-advising with Professor Marinescu.