Attempt to Design a Strong Solid

Abstract

It is shown that by using alternate layers of materials with high and low elastic constants resolved shearing stresses of the order of $\frac{{\ensuremath{\mu}}_{\mathrm{low}}}{100}$ will be required in order to drive dislocations through the combination. The layers should be so thin that a Frank Read source cannot operate inside one layer. The low-elastic-constant material should be such that perfect dislocations rather than partials occur in bulk specimens of the material. Several possible combinations are suggested.