Small scale mechanical properties of polycrystalline materials: in situ diffraction studies

The recent developments in the fields of processing, mechanical characterisation as well as simulation allow for a deeper study of the relationships between the microstructure and the mechanical properties of nanostructured materials (thin films and bulk nano materials). The understanding of size effect on the elastic and plastic deformation mechanisms is of both fundamental and practical interests in particular for the optimisation of industrial applications. Understanding of the relationships between their fabrication, microstructure, and mechanical properties is also fundamental. In particular, one of the key factors is related to the deformation mechanisms responsible of the elevated mechanical properties of such materials. In situ structural studies during deformation process allow quantifying the strain stress relationship of nanomaterials in the elastic and plastic regimes in relation with the microstructure since the spacing d of the material is used as a strain gage. Due to the very small dimensi...