Evolution of twin-boundary geometry in Bismuth crystals with an increase of load

The effect of an increase in an external static load on the shape of wedgelike twins formed in the vicinity of stress concentrators in Bi crystals has been studied. A new method for investigating the intermediate stages of mechanical twinning in metals is suggested. It is shown that the applied load is not the determining factor in the development of plastic deformation via twinning in metal crystals.