Title: Translational research in sustainability and mechanics

Authors: Ken P. Chong; Xianqiao Wang; Shuang-Ling Chong

Addresses: Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, George Washington University (GWU), Washington, DC 20052, USA ' College of Engineering-Mechanical Engineering, University of Georgia, Athens, GA 30602, USA ' Formerly of: Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), Coating and Corrosion Lab., McLean, VA 22101, USA

Abstract: Sustainability includes all aspects of the society, such as civil infrastructural systems, energy, environment, health, safety, life-cycle analyses, etc. New technologies like nano technology, simulation and smart materials play key roles in achieving sustainability. Nuclear energy is a viable source of clean energy. The historical perspective, R&D, challenges and barriers for sustainability are presented. Key elements include mechanics, life-cycle performance, smart materials, durability, nano and other new technologies. Many complex materials require multi-scale and/or multi-physics research to connect structure to properties and ultimately to function. The amalgamation of the discrete multiple length spectrum and its multiple physics principles creates a unprecedented area whose evolution can only be unveiled through the marriage of advancement of theoretical studies, use of computational methods, and experimental validation. Here we introduce a concurrent multiscale simulation method, aiming at a seamless transition from the atomistic to the continuum description of multi-element crystalline solids. We adopt a cluster-based summation rule for atomic force calculations in the FE formulations.

Keywords: sustainability; durability; Chong cycle; bridge coatings; accelerated tests; nanotechnology; multiscale material modelling; molecular dynamics; multi-physics; concurrent continuum/atomic simulation; sustainable development; smart materials; R&D; barriers; research and development; mechanics; life cycle performance; atomic force; finite element analysis; FEA.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSMSS.2013.056468

International Journal of Sustainable Materials and Structural Systems, 2013 Vol.1 No.2, pp.105 - 122

Published online: 26 Jul 2014 *

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