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Material Measurement Laboratory /Materials Science and Engineering Division

Mechanical Performance Group

The Mechanical Performance Group develops measurement methods, models, data, standards, and science for the mechanical properties of advanced materials (e.g., high strength steel, aluminum alloys, composites) and materials under extreme environmental and operating conditions. The Group provides expertise needed to determine materials and system performance within and outside design limits, and generates and disseminates reliable mechanical

 
The Group:
  • Generates and disseminates reliable mechanical property data;
  • Standardizes, both nationally and internationally, mechanical property test methods.
  • Performs forensic analysis of failed components and assists in investigations.

 

Group Competence

  • Mechanical testing at all size, rate and temperature scales
  • Multiaxial deformation and yield surface measurement
  • X-ray and neutron stress and microstructural measurements
  • Standard Reference Materials (SRM)
  • Hardness measurements and standards
  • Hydrogen embrittlement and stress-corrosion cracking
  • Finite-element analysis
  • Plasticity theory
  • Atomistic modeling
  • Shape memory alloys

News and Updates

Thermographic image of polymer extrusion with MML Measures up logo

Model Behavior

NIST is helping additive manufacturing, often referred to as 3D printing, mature from a potentially disruptive technology into a widespread industrial

Projects and Programs

Automotive Lightweighting

Ongoing
Our objective is to support the efforts of the US automotive industry and its suppliers to incorporate advanced lightweight materials for improving fuel economy
View All Projects/Programs

Publications

Awards

Mark Stoudt

Mark Stoudt Named ASM Fellow

For outstanding contributions to the scientific understanding of the structure-property relationships of additively manufactured alloys and