Scale law of complex deformation transitions of nanotwins in stainless steel

Understanding the deformation behavior of metallic materials containing nanotwins (NTs), which can enhance both strength and ductility, is useful for tailoring microstructures at the micro- and nano- scale to enhance mechanical properties. Here, we construct a clear deformation pattern of NTs in austenitic stainless steel by combining in situ tensile tests with a dislocation-based theoretical model and molecular dynamics simulations. Deformation NTs are observed in situ using a transmission electron microscope in different sample regions containing NTs with twin-lamella-spacing (λ) varying from a few nanometers to hundreds of nanometers. Two deformation transitions are found experimentally: from coactivated twinning/detwinning (λ < 5 nm) to secondary twinning (5 nm < λ < 129 nm), and then to the dislocation glide (λ > 129 nm). The simulation results are highly consistent with the observed strong λ-effect, and reveal the intrinsic transition mechanisms induced by partial dislocation slip.