Effects of temperature and surface step on the incipient plasticity in strained aluminium studied by atomistic simulations

• DOI: 10.1016/j.scriptamat.2007.08.016
• Publication Date: 2007-09-25T07:07:59Z
• Authors: P. Hirel; S. Brochard; L. Pizzagalli; P. Beauchamp
• Keywords: Condensed Matter - Other Condensed Matter; 0103 physical sciences; FOS: Physical sciences; 02 engineering and technology; 0210 nano-technology; 01 natural sciences; Other Condensed Matter (cond-mat.other)

Atomistic simulations using an EAM potential are carried out to investigate the first stages of plasticity in aluminum slabs, in particular the effect of both temperature and step geometry on the nucleation of dislocations from surface steps. Temperature is shown to significantly reduce the elastic limit, and to activate the nucleation of dislocation half-loops. Twinning occurs by successive nucleations in adjacent glide planes. The presence of a kinked step is shown to have no influence on the nucleation mechanisms.