The overarching objective of this MURI project is to develop a thermodynamic framework of defect phases and their evolution laws, validate it with extensive experimental observations, and to use it to generate ideas for new materials with exceptional thermomechanical properties and to understand geological processes.

Specifically, we aim to:

• Formulate a rigorous thermodynamic framework of defect phases that identifies the relevant intensive variables and evolution laws while respecting all topological and geometric constraints.
• Develop novel field theories that accurately account for multiscale nature of defects including understanding the mesoscale (between electronic and continuum) interactions between defect phases.
• Develop new experimental modalities that can observe defect dynamics and response under thermal, mechanical, and other stimuli.