Heinz and Doris Wilsdorf Distinguished Research Professor of Materials Science and Engineering Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering
Bio
Ph.D. Materials Science and Engineering; University of Virginia, 2010 M.S. Materials Science and Engineering; University of Virginia, 2006 B.S. Engineering Mechanics (Materials) Minor: Mathematics; US Air Force Academy, 2002
"Environmental effects on the structural integrity of high-performance alloys is at the core of many engineering challenges with societal implications. We aim to understand the mechanisms governing these phenomena to inform engineering solutions."
James T. Burns, Associate Professor
Our research foucses on the impact of environmental degradation on the mechanical properties of high-performance structural metals. We explore a wide range of material systems (e.g. steel, Al, Ti, Ni-based alloys) produced via tradtional and additively manufactured processes. Our work is at the intersection of metallurgy, mechanics, and electrochemistry, which uniquely positions us to explore many real-world challenges in the infrastructure, aerospace, automotive, energy, and biomedical fields. In each of these applications we strive to understand the mechanistic factors governing environmental degradation to inform engineering solutions using a material science framework that links processing, microstructure, properties, and component performance.
Awards
Editorial Boards of the International Journal of Fatigue2022
Editorial Board of Engineering Fracture Mechanics2022
HH Uhlig Award, NACE International (outstanding educator in the feild of corrosion science)2021
Engineering Excellence Award, NASA Engineering Safety Center2019
UVA PRI Society Recognition for Teaching Excellence2019
AFOSR-Young Investigator Research Grant2016
Research Interests
Fracture Mechanics
Physical Metallurgy
Hydrogen Embrittlement
Corrosion
Additive Manufacturing
Selected Publications
Shoemaker TK, Harris ZD, Burns JT “Comparing stress corrosion cracking behavior of additively manufactured and wrought 17-4PH stainless steel”, Corrosion, (2022): 78(6), 528-546. ABS.
Harris ZD, Dubas EM, Popernack AS, Somerday BP, Burns JT “Elucidating the loading rate dependence of hydrogen environment-assisted cracking in a Ni-Cu superalloy”, Theor Appl Fract (2021): 111, 102846. ABS.
Harris ZD, Thompson AW, Burns JT “Multiscale assessment of deformation induced hydrogen environment assisted cracking in a peak-aged Ni-Cu superalloy”, JOM, (2020): 72(5), 1993-2002. .
Martinez-Paneda E, Harris ZD, Scully JR, Burns JT “On the suitability of slow strain rate tensile testing for assessing hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility”, Corr Sci, (2020): 163; 108291. ABS.