Disclinations, amorphization and microcrack generation at grain boundary junctions in polycrystalline solids

Abstract

Abstract Splitting of disclinations (decay of disclinations into small-power disclinations) at grain boundary junctions in polycrystalline solids is examined theoretically, and related to local amorphization. Energetic characteristics of the splitting process are revealed. It is shown that such a process competes effectively with microcrack generation at triple junctions of grain boundaries, causing a plastification of deformed polycrystalline materials.