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Materials science

Atomistic views of deformation

Nature volume 550, pages 461–463 (2017)Cite this article

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Laser experiments and computer simulations have been used to analyse the jiggling of atoms in compressed solids. The results take us closer to designing materials that can withstand extreme conditions. See Letters p.492 & p.496

In this issue, two papers describe experiments1 and simulations2 that show how the metal tantalum deforms in response to rapidly applied, extreme compressions. Both studies track the processes by which bonds in tantalum are overcome by compressive forces at the atomic scale, and describe mechanisms that determine the strength of the metal at that scale. The studies form part of a growing body of research that might eventually help us to understand phenomena such as the formation of planets and asteroid-impact sites, or even to design improved spacecraft shielding.

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Figure 1: Compression mechanisms at the atomic scale.

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References

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  2. Zepeda-Ruiz, L., Stukowski, A., Oppelstrup, T. & Bulatov, V. V. Nature 550, 492–495 (2017).

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  1. the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, University of Manchester at Harwell, Didcot, OX11 0FA, UK

    Neil K. Bourne

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  1. Neil K. Bourne
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Correspondence to Neil K. Bourne.

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Bourne, N. Atomistic views of deformation. Nature 550, 461–463 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1038/550461a

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