Developing Visual Tools for Crystal Structures and Reciprocal Lattice

Project Title

Developing Visual Tools for Crystal Structures and Reciprocal Lattice

Project Leader

Prof Yang Leng

School / Dept

SENG / MECH

Project Duration

Jan 2004 - Jun 2005

Project Description

Teaching crystal structures is always challenging. Students find it difficult to visualize 3D atomic arrangements by studying 2D diagrams. It is also hard to picture the reciprocal lattice space of a crystal structure, which is essential in grasping electron diffraction patterns.The best answer is to devise a computer assisted tool which allows students to view 3D crystal structures in cyberspace. The project aimed to develop visual tools of 3D crystal structures and reciprocal lattices in cyberspace. Two groups of tools were developed, one for crystal structures showing specific 3D configuration and the other for reciprocal lattices generating certain crystallographic orientation image of a specific crystal structure and parameters input by users.It was hoped that visual aids of these 3D crystal structures and reciprocal lattices would increase students’ understanding of the subject.

Project Outcome

• Developed software of 3D models of calcium phosphate crystal structures.

• Developed software of 3D models of crystallographic planes of metallic crystals.

• Developed software of reciprocal lattices of crystal structures.

Status

Completed

Project Documents
(Only accessible by HKUST users)

• Project Plan
• Progress Report: First | Second |
• Final Report
• Project-Cend Review by Project Leader

Adaptation

Full Project