Although most materials properties can be determined by experimental procedures, computer modelling is growing in importance as a second route by which advanced materials can be "tested" and the properties of existing materials discovered. Used hand-in-hand with traditional techniques, modelling can determine properties which simply cannot be measured directly. It can also reduce overall costs of material and product development - modelling of the possible materials for a particular application can eliminate unpromising options and allow engineers to focus their real-world experiments and tests on a smaller set of candidates.

At NPL we are exploring a number of advanced modelling techniques: At one end of the scale molecular dynamics and materials chemistry promise an insight into fundamental material properties, and at the other finite element analysis, laminate damage modelling and mass transfer modelling allows us to look at the behaviour of entire systems. In between we are working on small scale systems such as the behaviour of parts in microfluidic machines and atomic force microscopes. We also develop visualisation methods to ensure that the models can be used by non-scientific staff.

Finally, across all scales we are interested in ensuring that our models - and those of others - accurately represent the physical systems they are modelling.

For more information: Nick McCormick