Deformation Behaviour of Single Linear Surface Defect Nickel Nanowire at Different Temperatures Studied by Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Abstract

The mechanical properties and deformation mechanism of nickel nanowire of dimension 100 Å (x-axis) × 1000 Å (y-axis) × 100 Å (z-axis) containing a single linear surface defect is studied at different temperatures using molecular dynamics simulations. The defect is created by deleting a row of atoms on the surface and is inclined at 25° to the loading axis. The tensile test is carried out at 0.01 K, 10 K, 100 K and 300 K temperature and 108 s-1strain rate. To determine the effect of temperature on the stress-strain curves, fracture and failure mechanism, a thorough investigation has taken place. Maximum strength of 21.26 GPa is observed for NW deformed at 0.01 K temperature and the strength decreased with increase in temperature. Through slip lines, the deformation relief pattern taken place by developing the extrusion areas along with intrusion over the surface defect area in all NWs deformed at respective temperatures. Further it is observed that fracture strains decrease with increase in temperature. After yielding, stacking faults associated with dislocations are generated by slip on all four {111} planes. Different type of dislocations with both intrinsic and extrinsic stacking faults are noticed. Out of all dislocation densities, Shockley partial dislocation densities has recorded a maximum value.