How oxidized grain boundaries fail

Electrical Properties of Grain Boundaries

The electrical properties of grain boundaries are very different in insulators, semiconductors and metals. We present them briefly in the case of insulators and semiconductors and with more details in the case of metals.

Grain Boundaries in Polycrystalline Alumina

Layering transitions at grain boundaries

We review various simplified models that have been advanced to describe layering (complexion) transitions at grain boundaries in multicomponent solids. In particular, we first outline lattice-gas, off-lattice atomistic and thermodynamic models that have been employed to investigate phase-like behavior at segregated grain boundaries. The results of these investigations are summarized in the form...

How simulations fail

The problem with simulations is that they are doomed to succeed.’ So runs a common criticism of simulations—that they can be used to ‘prove’ anything and are thus of little or no scientific value. While this particular objection represents a minority view, especially among those who work with simulations in a scientific context, it raises a difficult question: what standards should we use to di...

How Complex Systems Fail

1) Complex systems are intrinsically hazardous systems. All of the interesting systems (e.g. transportation, healthcare, power generation) are inherently and unavoidably hazardous by the own nature. The frequency of hazard exposure can sometimes be changed but the processes involved in the system are themselves intrinsically and irreducibly hazardous. It is the presence of these hazards that dr...