AIM Research

The Advanced Institute for Materials Research (AIMR) at Tohoku University in Japan is a World Premier International (WPI) Research Center for interdisciplinary and internationally focused research at the cutting edge of materials science. AIMResearch is a new online and print publication that highlights the best of research from the WPI-AIMR, and casts a spotlight on the scientists and laboratories behind one of the world's leading institutes for the development of new and innovative functional materials.

Aug 30, 2010feature highlight

Metallic glass: Go with the flow

Published in Physical Review Letters

Simulating the movements of thousands of atoms reveals that stress can transform glassy states into flowing liquids

Portable electronic devices of the future may use a secret ingredient to guard against dents and collisions — a tough new type of alloy called metallic glass. These materials, formed by rapidly cooling molten mixtures of metals, have a non-crystalline, tightly packed internal structure that makes them springier, stronger and more scratch-resistant than conventional crystalline metals. Mingwei Chen, Pengfei Guan and Takeshi Egami from the WPI-AIMR at Tohoku University have now performed computer simulations that provide new microscopic insights into how mechanical failure occurs in these versatile materials.

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Mixing the unmixable

The synergy of different expertise and ideas helps advance the development of ‘super’ hybrid materials.

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MEMS technology makes the world a merrier place

Scientists at the WPI-AIMR have developed microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) for a wide variety of applications, ranging from microphones for television studios to automobiles and airport surveillance equipment.

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