Energy barriers associated with slip–twin interactions

The energetics of slip–coherent twin boundary (CTB) interactions are established under tensile deformation in face centered cubic (fcc) copper with molecular dynamics simulations, exploring the entire stereographic triangle. The CTBs serve as effective barriers in some crystal orientations more than others, consistent with experimental observations. The resulting dislocation structures upon slip–twin reactions are identified in terms of Burgers vector analysis. Visualization of the dislocation transmission, lock formation, dislocation incorporation to twin boundaries, dislocation multiplication at the matrix–twin interface and twin translation, growth, and contraction behaviors cover the most significant reactions that can physically occur providing a deeper understanding of the mechanical behavior of fcc alloys in the presence of twin boundaries. The results make a distinction between deformation and annealing twins interacting with incident dislocations and point to the considerable role both types of twins can play in strengthening of fcc metals.