3D Curvilinear Shape Formation through 2D Engineering at Nanoscale

Self-assembly of 3D curvilinear shapes can be induced by various driving forces, including capillary interactions and mismatch/residual strains. As the characteristic dimensions of structures and devices become smaller, the surface to volume ratio in these components increases significantly. Consequently, surface phenomena become increasingly important. In this presentation, I will use several particular case studies to demonstrate that interesting mechanical phenomena exist in 3D shape formation from 2D nanoscale thin films. These case studies include the self-assembling process of 3D photovoltaic devices made of thin silicon foil (cover article in Dec 2009 issue of PNAS), folding of polymer films by differential swelling, and formation of semiconductor nanotube arrays by mismatch strain. Modeling of these systems shows that critical parameters emerge naturally. These parameters may be used to guide the fabrication and manufacturing of nanoscale components.

About K. Jimmy Hsia

K. Jimmy Hsia is Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC). He is a solid mechanician by training. His research interests include deformation and failure mechanisms of materials, mciro/nanomechanics of nanoscale materials, and, recently, cell mechanics.