Quantitative analysis of surface effects of plastic deformation

Single crystals of γ phase nickel based alloy MC2 and of LiF have been studied using an experimental apparatus offering the continuous observation of the slip line development during plastic deformation. Taking advantage of the high resolution of atomic force microscopy, the fine structure of slip lines has been investigated showing drastic differences between the two materials. A statistical analysis of slip line patterns has been carried out to compare deformation mechanisms taking place in the bulk crystals and quantitatively study the surface effects of plastic deformation, with the determination of a few relevant parameters, such as the total number of dislocations emerging at the sample surface, the average dislocation per slip line and the distribution of terrace widths.