The mechanics of structures at small scales can exhibit greatly different properties to that known at large scales, a common example is the extraordinary strength of carbon nanotubes. To probe microscale material samples we are developing micromanufactured systems for use in conjunction with atomic force microscopes. With such tools a range of sample deflections can be caused, monitored and measured both in terms of deflection and applied load.
[Journal of Microelectromechanical systems, 24, 1092-1101, (2015)]
Nanoscale Structures
We are working on the use of nanoscale structures, such as graphene, for novel nanomechanics applications.