A symmetrical tilt Σ11(113) Cu grain boundary was investigated by using molecular dynamics simulation. The boundary exhibited an unexpected non-linear elastic response upon compressive loading normal to the grain boundary plane. Analysis revealed that this particular grain boundary could act as a hinge, leading to significant rotation between two crystals. The rotation induces a change in the loading direction and a subsequent decrease in strain energy due to elastic anisotropy. The geometry, anisotropy, and atomic structure of the boundary were all found to play a role in its peculiar behavior.

Deformation by Grain Boundary Hinge-Like Behavior. D.H.Warner, J.F.Molinari: Materials Letters, 2008, 62[1], 57-60