Processes in nano-length-scale copper crystal under dynamic loads: A molecular dynamics study

Abstract

This chapter is devoted to the research of rotary field formation in a nano-lengthscale metal crystal under acting of different kinds of mechanical loads by molecular dynamics method. It was considered two sorts of loads: compressive dynamic load and stretching at a constant deformation velocity. The simulation technique of such vortex structures in solid was developed. It is shown that there exists a critical energy flux at which the system experiences an avalanche change both in the time and load dependence of energy absorption and in the type of wave processes in its structure. It was revealed that this process is a type of nanostructure self-organization in response to an external energy flux with subsequent development of a strong rotational field. The critical role of a rotary wave in the process of material fracture was defined, as the rotary wave energy exceeds 30% of the total internal energy of the structure at the strain rate greater than 200 m/s. The interpretation of vortex structure formation and spread in solids is proposed from the point of view of structure self-organization. The authors studied the structure size influence on rotary field formation, and it was revealed their appearance is not a result of nanoscale smallness of the sample. At the same time, the influence of a nanostructure’s cross size on the rotary field energy is being researched.