Strain localization in a nanocrystalline metal: Atomic mechanisms and the effect of testing conditions

 We recently published an article in the Journal of Applied Physics, where we explored strain localization in nanocrystalline metals.  Molecular dynamics simulations were used to show that the formation of a strain path across the sample width is crucial and can be achieved entirely through grain boundary deformation or through a combination of grain boundary sliding and grain boundary dislocation emission, depending on the grain size.  Pronounced mechanically induced grain growth is also found within the strain localization region. The effects of testing conditions on strain localization are also highlighted, to understand the conditions that promote shear banding in nanocrystalline metals and compare these observations to metallic glass behavior.

Our article can be found at:

http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.4815965