Abstract
Using molecular dynamics we find that the tensile strength of the contacts between two clean platinum surfaces with nanoscale asperities is strongly size dependent with a maximum strength for contact lengths of approximately 5 nm. This is the first time a strongest size is observed in single crystals. The strengthening with decreasing size down to 5 nm results from a decrease in the initial density of mobile dislocations available for plastic deformation and the subsequent weakening originates from a reduction in the constraint to mechanical deformation inside the contact by the bulk.
Keywords
NANOCRYSTALLINE METALS; CRYSTAL PLASTICITY; DEFORMATION; STRENGTH; COPPER
Citation
DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevLett.104.215504
Date of this Version
5-2010
Recommended Citation
Kim, Hojin and Strachan, Alejandro, "Nanoscale Metal-Metal Contact Physics from Molecular Dynamics: The Strongest Contact Size" (2010). Birck and NCN Publications. Paper 591.
https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/nanopub/591