Understanding the deformation and fracture behavior of Al/Ti nanolayered metal composites

This thesis focuses on the atomistic deformation and fracture behavior of Al/Ti Nanolayered Metal Composites (NMCs). The Al/Ti NMCs show high specific strength due to the complex relationship between constituent metals, layer thickness, and type of interface. The microstructural transformations in these Al/Ti multilayers along with the various key dislocation activities during the deformation and fracture of Al/Ti NMCs are identified. Finally, the unit deformation mechanisms and their dependence on the layer thickness and loading direction are explored in detail. The fracture of Al/Ti NMCs is studied for determining crack-interface interaction, critical strain energy release rate, and the relevant dislocation activities.