Discrete twinning dynamics and size-dependent dislocation-to twin transition in body-centred cubic tungsten

Body-centred cubic(BCC) metals are known to have unstable intrinsic stacking faults and high resistance to deformation twinning, which can strongly influence their twinning behaviour. Though twinning mechanisms of BCC metals have been investigated for more than 60 years, the atomistic level dynamics of twinning remains under debate, especially regarding its impact on competition between twinning and slip. Here, we investigate the atomistic level dynamics of twinning in BCC tungsten(W) nanowires using in situ nanomechanical testing. Quantitative experimental studies directly visualize that deformation twins in W nanowires have a minimum size of six-layers and grow in increments of approximately three-layers at a time, in contrast to the layer-by-layer growth of deformation twins in face-centred cubic metals. These unique twinning dynamics induces a strong competition with ordinary dislocation slip,as exhibited by a size-dependent dislocation-to-twin transition in W nanowires, with a transition size of ~40 nm. Our work provides physical insight into the dynamics of twinning at the atomic level, as well as a size-dependent dislocation-twinning competition, which have important implications for the plastic deformation in a broad class of BCC metals and alloys.

Strain Hardening Associated with Dislocation,Deformation Twinning,and Dynamic Strain Aging in Fe–20Mn–1.3C–(3Cu) TWIP Steels

The effects of Cu on stacking fault energy,dislocation slip,mechanical twinning,and strain hardening in Fe–20Mn–1.3C twinning-induced plasticity（TWIP） steels were systematically investigated.The stacking fault energy was raised with an average slope of 2 mJ/m2 per 1 wt% Cu.The Fe–20Mn–1.3C–3Cu steel exhibited superior tensile properties,with the ultimate tensile strength reached at 2.27 GPa and elongation up to 96.9% owing to the high strain hardening that occurred.To examine the mechanism of this high strain hardening,dislocation density determination by XRD was calculated.The dislocation density increased with the increasing strain,and the addition of Cu resulted in a decrease in the dislocation density.A comparison of the strain-hardening behavior of Fe–20Mn–1.3C and Fe–20Mn–1.3C–3Cu TWIP steels was made in terms of modified Crussard–Jaoul（C–J） analysis and microstructural observations.Especially at low strains,the contributions of all the relevant deformation mechanisms—slip,twinning,and dynamic strain aging—were quantitatively evaluated.The analysis revealed that the dislocation storage was the leading factor to the increase of the strain hardening,while dynamic strain aging was a minor contributor to strain hardening.Twinning,which interacted with the matrix,acted as an effective barrier to dislocation motion.

Microstructure evolution of Mg-Zn-Zr magnesium alloy against soft steel core projectile

The study aimed to shed light on the post deformation and damage behavior of an extruded Mg-Zn-Zr alloy under a ballistic impact.The results revealed that the initial microstructure consisted of both{0001}basal and{1010}prismatic fiber texture.After impact,adiabatic shear bands,pronounce different twinning in big grains,,<c>,and<c+a>types of dislocations,and grain refinement through twinning induce recrystallization accommodated the strain,and absorbed∼65.7%of the energy during impact carried by a soft steel projectile.Interestingly,the deformation behavior at the top broad sides of the crater was entirely different.The weak basal texture was changed to a strong prismatic texture,which was further proved by typical sigmoidal compressive stress-strain curves.A revised model for the development of the ultra-fine grains adjacent to the crater has been proposed.The microhardness and yield strength was∼33%and∼40%higher and chiefly ascribed to strain hardening in ultra-fine grained near the surface of the perforation path.The exit of the perforation path was severely damaged and forms onion-shaped concentric rings which were comprised of melted zones,dimples,and cracks.Based on the all interesting findings,this study can be a clue for the development of the lightweight Mg alloy for military and aerospace applications.