Molecular statics was used to study the crack propagation in model nanocrystalline Ni with a mean grain size of 10nm. It was shown that the crack propagates intergranularly, creating nano-voids ahead of the crack which coalesce gradually. Plasticity in the neighborhood of the crack tip was observed to be mediated by dislocation activity. The sequential emission of partials results in the observation of full dislocations and twinning.

Dislocation Activity and Nano-Void Formation near Crack Tips in Nanocrystalline Ni. D.Farkas, S.Van Petegem, P.M.Derlet, H.Van Swygenhoven: Acta Materialia, 2005, 53[11], 3115-23