Publications

Analysis of nano-scale films and particles

Reedy, Earl D.; Reedy, Earl D.

This one-year feasibility study was aimed at developing finite element modeling capabilities for simulating nano-scale tests. This work focused on methods to model: (1) the adhesion of a particle to a substrate, and (2) the delamination of a thin film from a substrate. Adhesion was modeled as a normal attractive force that depends on the distance between opposing material surfaces while delamination simulations used a cohesive zone model. Both of these surface interaction models had been implemented in a beta version of the three-dimensional, transient dynamics, PRESTO finite element code, and the present study verified that implementation. Numerous illustrative calculations have been performed using these models, and when possible comparisons were made with existing solutions. These capabilities are now available in PRESTO version 1.07.