ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES | NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2024 9 surface structure by scanning a sharp tip mounted on a quartz tuning fork at a close distance from the surface. The frequency of the tuning fork changes as the tip interacts with the atoms on the surface without touching the material. In an ncAFM image, the researchers explain, they can see the location of atoms, but not their chemical identity. The team overcame the lack of chemical sensitivity by attaching a single oxygen atom to the tip apex, allowing them to distinguish between oxygen and aluminum atoms on the surface. The 3D model of the aluminum oxide surface was optimized with machine learning methods. “Through the collaborative effort of experimental and computational research, we not only tackled a long-standing mystery by determining the detailed structure of this enigmatic insulator, but also discovered structure design principles applicable to an entire class of materials,” says lead researcher Jan Balajka. www.tuwien.at/en, www.univie.ac.at/en. REVERSE ENGINEERING COMPOSITES WITH AI Creating new materials for modern needs typically involves tuning mechanical properties in one direction. Now, using artificial intelligence and machine learning, researchers at Binghamton University, N.Y., are exploring ways to design materials that remain strong when facing stress from multiple directions. Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation, the researchers are developing a deep-learning model informed by the principles of physical laws that can customize the microarchitecture of composite materials. Lead researchers Mir Jalil Razavi and Dehao Liu will develop thousands of mechanical computational models to train deep learning algorithms in designing composite materials tailored to specific mechanical behavior requirements. They will decide which suggestions are most promising, and their Deep-learning models can customize microarchitecture based on specific needs. Courtesy of Watson College. collaborator, Yanyu Chen from the University of Louisville, Ky., will validate the best combinations through additive manufacturing, x-ray imaging, and stress testing. The Binghamton team believes this research could revolutionize materials design and enable the rapid development of new highly tailored materials. www.binghamton.edu. thermcraftinc.com • (336) 784-4800 Industrial& Laboratory Furnaces, Ovens& Heaters • Batch or Continuous Processing • Durable Construction • Standard or Fully Customizable • Up to 1800ºC, 3272ºF • Single or Multi-Zone • PLC Controls Available • Made in the USA Since 1971 thermcraftinc.com • (336) 784-4800 Are you maximizing your ASM membership? Expand your knowledge and apply your ASM International member-only discounts to a variety of professional development resources: • Reference Materials • ASM Handbooks Online • Technical Journals • Continuing Education Courses Learn more about your membership benefits by visiting: asminternational.org/membership
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