Kenji Urayama

Innovative Toughening of Elastomers Based on Elucidatiting and Maximizing the Strain-Induced Crystallization Mechanism

Research Director

Kenji Urayama

Collaborator

Shinichi Sakurai	Professor Faculty of Fiber Science and Engineering Kyoto Institute of Technology
Takashi Taniguchi	Associate Professor Graduate School of Engineering Kyoto University
Katsuhiko Tsunoda	Expert Sustainable・Advanced Materials Division BRIDGESTONE Coporation
Keiji Numata	Professor Graduate School of Engineering Kyoto University

Outline

Strain-induced crystallization (SIC) in natural rubber (NR) is a dynamic toughening mechanism triggered by mechanical stimulus, but the SIC performance of NR has not been updated for a long time. Our aims are to elucidate a nanoscale dynamics of SIC and the toughening mechanisum, and to establish a novel strategy to enhance the SIC performance leading to the innovative toughening of NR and synthetic rubbers.

Takashi Sumigawa

Exploring scientific principles of nano-micro fatigue and achieving ultra-high fatigue strength metals

Research Director

Takashi Sumigawa

Collaborator

Yoshitaka Umeno	Professor Institute of Industrial Science The University of Tokyo
Hiroyuki Shima	Professor Graduate Faculty of Interdisciplinary Research University of Yamanashi

Outline

We aim for revealing peculiar fatigue phenomena that emerge in nanometer- and micrometer-sized metals. We will realize fatigue experiments of nano-micro specimens, which have been extremely difficult thus far, and also develop a simulation framework with a groundbreaking concept. These concerted approaches will enable us to elucidate fatigue mechanisms from the viewpoint of nanomechanics. Further, we will establish novel scientific priciples of “nano-micro fatigue” with theoretical consistency. Moreover, we will propose design of materials with controlled dislocation structures created by cyclic loading to realize materials with ultra-high fatigue strength and unprecedented functions.

Masashi Mizukami

Multi-scale elucidation of friction mechanisms in ice-rubber interfaces

Research Director

Masashi Mizukami

Collaborator

Kenji Yasuoka

Professor Faculty of Science and Technology Keio University

Outline

In order to improve grip of tire on ice, an increasing interest to the interaction between ice and rubber has emerged. However, ice-rubber friction, governed by multiple factors, is complicated phenomenon, and the understanding of friction mechanism has been remained as a quite difficult issue. This project employs a combination of nano and macro approaches including simulation for studying ice-friction friction, and aims at understanding the governing factors (melting and premelting of ice, rubber viscoelasticity etc.) and their coupling, depending on the conditions as well as the rubber properties in order to elucidate the friction mechanisms of ice-rubber interfaces, propose a predictive model of ice-rubber friction, and establish a guideline to design innovative rubber materials.

Michiaki Yamasaki

Creation of Robust Metallic Materials on the Basis of the Multimodal Microstructure Design Strategy

Research Director

Michiaki Yamasaki

Collaborator

Kouji Hagihara	Professor Graduate School of Engineering Nagoya Institute of Technology
Ryosuke Matsumoto	Associate Professor Faculty of Engineering Kyoto University of Advanced Science

Outline

In this project, we attempt to establish new materials design concept for creation of robust metallic materials based on the multimodal microstructure control. Using wrought magnesium alloys with long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) phase, we firstly clarify the mechanism for strengthening and ductilization of magnesium alloys with heterogeneous microstructure comprised of fine dynamically recrystallized grains and coarse fiber-textured grains. Then, based on the results of fundamental studies on deformation behavior in individual grains and at grain boundaries/phase interfaces in the multimodal microstructure, we try to produce novel multimodal microstructure/function-controlled materials with not only high strength and ductility but also increased toughness.

Jun Yamamoto

Nano mechanics based on the space-time hierarchical structure and the dynamic heterogenity in soft matter

Research Director

Jun Yamamoto

Collaborator

Makina Saitou	Associate Professor Graduate School of Science Tohoku University
Yumiko Naka	Associate Professor Faculty of Science DivisionⅡ Tokyo University of Science

Outline

We invent the fluctuation microscope and quasi-elastic scattering of gamma ray to observe both in broadband of nano ~ meso scale dynamics in soft matter. We explore the intrinsic origin and mechanism of the space-time hierarchical structure and the dynamic heterogeneities and understand the nano mechanics of the complex soft matter. Non-linear behaviors such as yielding, or breakage of the materials will be investigated. We design and improve the performance of the mechanical behaviors by the artificial control of the dynamic heterogeneity of the material. Furthermore, the fluctuation microscope will be used for the conventional tools for industrial and medical applications by downsizing and mobilization.