Integrated computational materials engineering

Have you ever played with Lego blocks? Imagine you have different types of Lego blocks such as small, medium, and large blocks, and different colors such as red, blue, and green blocks. Now, think of these Lego blocks as different materials such as metal, plastic, or wood. You can use these materials to build different things such as a car or a house.

Integrated Computational Materials Engineering (ICME) is like building things with Lego blocks, but instead of using our hands, we use computers to create and improve new materials. ICME combines different computer models to design and predict the behavior of materials at the atomic and molecular level.

The first computer model is called the structural model. This model describes the shape and arrangement of atoms in materials, which affects how the material behaves. Just like how different Lego blocks can affect the strength of a structure or its ability to withstand outside forces.

The second computer model is called the properties model. This model helps us understand how materials behave when they are exposed to different conditions such as high temperatures or pressure. Just like how a Lego house made of plastic blocks will be different from a Lego house made of wood blocks when it is exposed to sunlight or rain.

The third computer model is called the processing model. This model helps us understand how materials are made and how we can change their properties by adjusting the way they are made. Just like how we can make a Lego house stronger by using more blocks or by heating them up and molding them into a certain shape.

With ICME, we can predict how a new material will behave in the real world without having to do expensive and time-consuming experiments. This allows us to create better materials for different applications such as stronger and lighter materials for airplanes or more efficient batteries for electric cars.