molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the tensile deformation of twinned gold nanowires of finite length. Emphasis was placed on competing mechanisms in the initial yield of nanowires: dislocation source number vs. repulsive force, both of which were controlled by the twin boundary spacing. The simulation results revealed that with decreasing twin boundary spacing there was a transition from softening to strengthening due to a change in the dominant mechanism of plastic deformation. An analytical model based on kinetic rate theory was also established to provide an insight into the competing mechanisms indicated by the simulation results.

Repulsive Force vs. Source Number: Competing Mechanisms in the Yield of Twinned Gold Nanowires of Finite Length. X.Guo, Y.Xia: Acta Materialia, 2011, 59[6], 2350-7