Surface flow in crystalline solids under mechanical disturbance

Abstract

In a paper read before the British Association at Glasgow, in 1901, and in a further paper communicated to the Royal Society in February, 1902, I described certain observations on the surface structure of metals and other solids. These observations went to show that the effect of mechanical treatment of metals by cutting tools or by polishing agents is to produce a surface layer or film whose structure and appearance are distinct from those of the undisturbed substance below. This surface layer has no appearance of crystalline structure, but it has a certain structure granular or scale-like, which lends itself to the formation of smooth, rounded, or flowing forms like those assumed by a viscous liquid.