Secret Atomic Patterns Discovered in Metals
Researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have made a groundbreaking discovery, challenging conventional wisdom that metal alloys are randomly mixed during manufacturing.
The study reveals hidden atomic patterns that persist in metal alloys, which can be tweaked to enhance properties such as mechanical strength, durability, and radiation tolerance.
"This is the first paper showing these non-equilibrium states that are retained in the metal," says MIT materials scientist Rodrigo Freitas.
Recent lab studies have identified subtle patterns in metal alloys, and this new study uses simulations to show how these patterns emerge and linger even after intense processing.
The discovery promises to open up new ways to control the properties of metals during manufacturing.
Author's summary: Researchers discover hidden atomic patterns in metals.