Carlos J. Ruestes

Nanoindentation of hcp metals: a comparative simulation study of the evolution of dislocation networks.

Using molecular dynamics simulation, we study the nanoindentation of three hcp metals: Mg, Ti, and Zr. Both the basal and two prismatic surface planes are considered. We focus on the characterization of the plasticity generated in the crystal. The similarities to, and the differences from, the behavior of the more commonly investigated fcc and bcc metals are highlighted. We find that hcp metals show a larger variety than the fcc and bcc metals studied up until now. The prolific emission of prismatic loops can lead to extended plastic zones. The size of the plastic zone is quantified by the ratio f of the plastic zone radius to the radius of the contact area. We find values of between 1.6 (an almost collapsed zone) and >5; in the latter case, complex dislocation networks build up which are extended in the direction of easy glide.

Probing the character of ultra-fast dislocations

Plasticity is often controlled by dislocation motion, which was first measured for low pressure, low strain rate conditions decades ago. However, many applications require knowledge of dislocation motion at high stress conditions where the data are sparse, and come from indirect measurements dominated by the effect of dislocation density rather than velocity. Here we make predictions based on atomistic simulations that form the basis for a new approach to measure dislocation velocities directly at extreme conditions using three steps: create prismatic dislocation loops in a near-surface region using nanoindentation, drive the dislocations with a shockwave, and use electron microscopy to determine how far the dislocations moved and thus their velocity at extreme stress and strain rate conditions. We report on atomistic simulations of tantalum that make detailed predictions of dislocation flow, and find that the approach is feasible and can uncover an exciting range of phenomena, such as transonic dislocations and a novel form of loop stretching. The simulated configuration enables a new class of experiments to probe average dislocation velocity at very high applied shear stress.

Crater formation by nanoparticle impact: contributions of gas, melt and plastic flow

The processes underlying crater formation by energetic nanoparticle impact are investigated using molecular dynamics simulations. Both metallic and van-der-Waals-bonded targets are studied. We find a transition from crater formation by melt flow at small impact energies to an evaporation (gas flow) mechanism at higher energies. The transition occurs gradually at impact energies per atom of a few tens of the cohesive energy of the target. van-der-Waals-bonded solids do not exhibit the melt flow cratering regime, in agreement with the narrow liquid zone in their phase diagram. We find that the size of the target region heated above the critical temperature roughly corresponds to the crater volume. The transition shows up most clearly in the increase of the volume of ejected material relative to the crater volume. Finally, we demonstrate the punching of dislocations below the crater for high-velocity impact into ductile targets, leading to a contribution of plastic flow to the crater volume.

Size of the Plastic Zone Produced by Nanoscratching

Nanoscratching of ductile materials creates plastic zones surrounding the scratch groove. We approximate the geometry of these zones by a semicylinder with its axis oriented along the scratch direction. The radius and the length of the cylinder, as well as the length of the dislocations in the network created quantify the plasticity generated. Using molecular dynamics simulations, we characterize the plastic zones in six metals with fcc, bcc, and hcp crystal structures. We find that the plastic zone sizes after scratch are comparable to those after indent. Due to dislocation reactions, the dislocation networks simplify, reducing the total length of dislocations. As a consequence, the average dislocation density in the plastic zone stays roughly constant. Individually, we find exceptions from this simple picture. Fcc metals show strong plastic activity, which even increases during scratch. The hcp metals on the other side show the least plastic activity. Here the plasticity may be strongly reduced during scratch and particularly during tip withdrawal.

Nanoindentation tests of heavy-ion-irradiated Au foams—molecular dynamics simulation

Irradiation by light ions may change the mechanical properties of nanofoams. Using molecular-dynamics simulation, we study the effect of irradiating a Au foam (porosity, 50%, and ligament diameter, 3 nm) with heavy ions: here, 10 keV Au ions up to a dose of 4 × 1016 m−2. We demonstrate that in consequence, the ligament morphology changes in the irradiated region, caused by local melting. The changes in mechanical properties are monitored by simulated nanoindentation tests. We find that the foam hardness is only around 1/3 of the hardness of a bulk Au crystal. Irradiation increases the hardness of the foam by around 10% in the central irradiated area. The plastic zone extends to only 1.5 ac, where ac denotes the contact radius; this value is unchanged under irradiation. The hardness increase after irradiation is attributed to two concurring effects. To begin with, irradiation induces melting and annealing of the ligaments, leading to their coarsening and alleviating surface stress, which in turn increases the dislocation nucleation threshold. In addition, irradiation introduces a stacking fault forest that acts as an obstacle to dislocation motion.Irradiation by light ions may change the mechanical properties of nanofoams. Using molecular-dynamics simulation, we study the effect of irradiating a Au foam (porosity, 50%, and ligament diameter, 3 nm) with heavy ions: here, 10 keV Au ions up to a dose of 4 × 1016 m−2. We demonstrate that in consequence, the ligament morphology changes in the irradiated region, caused by local melting. The changes in mechanical properties are monitored by simulated nanoindentation tests. We find that the foam hardness is only around 1/3 of the hardness of a bulk Au crystal. Irradiation increases the hardness of the foam by around 10% in the central irradiated area. The plastic zone extends to only 1.5 ac, where ac denotes the contact radius; this value is unchanged under irradiation. The hardness increase after irradiation is attributed to two concurring effects. To begin with, irradiation induces melting and annealing of the ligaments, leading to their coarsening and alleviating surface stress, which in turn increases ...

The stability of hollow nanoparticles and the simulation temperature ramp

Hollow nanoparticles (hNPs) are of interest because their large cavities and small thickness give rise to a large surface to volume ratio. However, in general they are not in equilibrium and far from their global energy minimum, which often makes them unstable against perturbations. In fact, a temperature increase can induce a structural collapse into a nanoparticle, and consequently a loss of their unique properties. This problem has been studied by means of molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, but without emphasis on the speed of the temperature increase. Here we explore how the temperature variation, and the rate at which it is varied in MD simulations, determines the final conformation of the hNPs. In particular, we show how different temperature ramps determine the final shape of Pt hNPs that initially have an external radius between 0.7 and 24 nm, and an internal radius between 0.19 and 2.4 nm. In addition, we also perform the simulations of other similar metals like Ag and Au. Our results indicate that the temperature ramp strongly modifies the final hNP shape, even at ambient temperature. In fact, a rapid temperature increase leads to the formation of stacking faults and twin boundaries which are not generated by a slower temperature increase. Quantitative criteria are established and they indicate that the stacking fault energy is the dominant parameter.

Reinforcements in avian wing bones: Experiments, analysis, and modeling

Almost all species of modern birds are capable of flight; the mechanical competency of their wings and the rigidity of their skeletal system evolved to enable this outstanding feat. One of the most interesting examples of structural adaptation in birds is the internal structure of their wing bones. In flying birds, bones need to be sufficiently strong and stiff to withstand forces during takeoff, flight, and landing, with a minimum of weight. The cross-sectional morphology and presence of reinforcing structures (struts and ridges) found within bird wing bones vary from species to species, depending on how the wings are utilized. It is shown that both morphology and internal features increases the resistance to flexure and torsion with a minimum weight penalty. Prototypes of reinforcing struts fabricated by 3D printing were tested in diametral compression and torsion to validate the concept. In compression, the ovalization decreased through the insertion of struts, while they had no effect on torsional resistance. An elastic model of a circular ring reinforced by horizontal and vertical struts is developed to explain the compressive stiffening response of the ring caused by differently oriented struts.