How Do Dislocations Behave Differently at the Nanoscale?
Dislocation motion at the nanoscale is influenced by several factors:
1. Surface Effects: In nanomaterials, the surface-to-volume ratio is much higher, making surface effects more significant. Dislocations can interact with surfaces, leading to unique deformation mechanisms. 2. Grain Boundaries: In polycrystalline nanomaterials, grain boundaries can impede dislocation motion. The presence of grain boundaries can lead to grain boundary strengthening. 3. Size Effects: The reduced dimensions of nanomaterials mean that dislocations have less space to move, leading to phenomena such as size-dependent plasticity.