The atomistic deformation processes of nanocrystals embedded with nanoscale twin boundaries during nano-indentation were studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Load–displacement curves were obtained and the hardening mechanisms associated with the nanoscale twin boundaries were revealed. Johnson's theoretical indentation model was adopted to estimate the elastic stage of the nano-indentation. In addition, twin boundary-mediated dislocation nucleation was observed and analyzed.

Hardening by Twin Boundary During Nanoindentation in Nanocrystals. S.Qu, H.Zhou: Nanotechnology, 2010, 21[33], 335704