Size Dependence of Dislocation-Mediated Plasticity in Ni Single Crystals: Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Figure 5

Snapshots for microstructure evolution in 20 nm ⟨134⟩-oriented nano-pillar. (a)–(c) The extended dislocations nucleate, glide and reflect at the free surfaces. (d)–(f) The top-left part of the pillar undergoes global sliding, leading to strain bursts. The symbol “○” marks the surface step. Slip lines and surface steps are clearly observed in the deformed states.

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