Mathematical and Materials Science

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the future applications of materials science and crystallography, particularly focusing on crystal growth and its potential for developing high-tech materials. Participants explore various aspects of modeling crystal growth and the steps involved in material development.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Conceptual clarification

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses interest in future materials derived from studying crystal growth and seeks guidance on mathematical modeling and development processes.
  • Another participant mentions the Community Grid's involvement in modeling materials for the Green Energy Project as a relevant resource.
  • A suggestion is made to narrow down the inquiry by specifying applications (e.g., clean energy, biotech) and classes of materials (e.g., polymers, ceramics).
  • A participant highlights the design of amorphous metals as a significant research area, noting that it involves avoiding crystal growth and requires a deep understanding of crystallography.
  • Discussion includes the epitaxial growth of semiconductors as a major application of crystal growth, particularly in optoelectronics, and mentions the potential integration of III-V materials with silicon in microelectronics.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants have not reached a consensus, and multiple competing views and suggestions remain regarding the focus and direction of the inquiry into materials science and crystal growth.

Contextual Notes

The discussion reflects a range of interests and knowledge levels, with some participants suggesting broader categories while others provide specific examples of materials and applications.

Who May Find This Useful

Individuals interested in materials science, crystallography, and their applications in technology, particularly in energy and electronics, may find this discussion relevant.

stanford1463
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Ok I feel this is the best place to place this subject. Well, I have been interested in materials science and crystallography lately, especially the future applications of this. What are some future materials we could make from studying crystal growth? How could we go about accomplishing this? What are the steps involved in mathematically modeling crystal growth, and then developing a high-tech material based on that? Any references, help, websites, is appreciated! Thanks!
 
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Hi, not really my area but i know the Community Grid are involved in modelling materials for the Green Energy Project. This may be of some interest.


http://cleanenergy.harvard.edu/
 
alright thanks, any others?
Bumpppppppppp
 
I think your question is too broad...how about narrowing it down a bit such as

what applications? clean energy, biotech, electronics, transportation...?

what classes of materials? polymers, ceramics, semiconductors etc...?

you could search through different universities' websites for their material science departments, or their solid state physics departments, or chemistry departments. Usually they will list the research projects they are working on and you can see which involve developing new materials and for what applications.
 
A popular research area is the design of amorphous metals, where you want to avoid crystal growth (and this requires a deep understanding of crystal formation and crystallography). Amorphous metals have a relatively high strength because of their lack of well-defined slip systems.
 
Epitaxial growth of semiconductors is probably the largest application of crystal growth currently. This is especially true in optoelectronics (semiconductor laser, high efficiency solar cells, etc.). Nanostructure growth also encompasses this area. There's also been talk for a few years now of incorporating III-V's with Si for the microelectronics industry (we'll see about that one though =P ).
 

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