Our research is centered around the observation that microstructures can have drastic effects on a material’s physical properties. In our approach, we develop mathematical models (phase-field, molecular dynamics, first-principle methods) to understand and predict how fundamental material constants and microstructures affect material properties. We use these insights to guide the discovery of materials (e.g., battery electrodes, soft magnets, molecular crystals, shape-memory alloys) with enhanced properties.


Dr. Ananya Renuka Balakrishna

Coupling Diffusion and Finite Deformation in Phase Transformation Materials
Zhang T, Zhang D, Balakrishna AR .
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 183, 105501
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Objective molecular dynamics study of cross slip under high-rate deformation
Pahlani G, Balakrishna AR , James RD.
Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids , 105361
PDF DOI