On the origin of plasticity-induced microstructure change under sliding contacts

Discrete dislocation plasticity (DDP) calculations are carried out to investigate the response of a single crystal contacted by rigid sinusoidal asperity under sliding loading conditions look for causes microstructure change in structure. The mechanistic driver is identified as development lattice rotations and stored energy subsurface, which can be quantitatively correlated recent tribological experimental observations. Maps surface slip initiation substrate permanent deformation obtained from DDP varying contact size normal load suggest ways optimally tailoring interface microstructural material properties various frictional loads.