title: Complex nonlinear deformation of nanometer intergranular glassy films in beta-Si3N4.
abstract: The mechanical properties of a model of Y-doped intergranular glassy film in silicon nitride ceramics are studied by large-scale ab initio modeling. By linking directly to its electronic structure, it is shown that this microstructure has a complex nonlinear deformation under stress and Y doping significantly enhances the mechanical properties. The calculation of the electrostatic potential across the film supports the space charge model in ceramic microstructures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physics, University of Missouri-Kansas City, Kansas City, Missouri 64110, USA.
authors.forename: Jun
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Lizhi
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Ouyang
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rulis
authors.forename: Anil
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Misra
authors.forename: W Y
authors.initials: WY
authors.lastname: Ching