Abstract
We introduce a continuum model of elasticity in a nonequilibrium multiphase system - including smooth and singular strains, as well as their coupling to free surfaces - and apply it to the dynamics of misfitting heteroepitaxial films. Above a critical thickness, defects relieve strain, competing with an instability at the interface. Depending on their mobility, defects can screen stress by building up at large-curvature groove tips, leading to high ductility, or be "outrun" by the tips, leading to brittleness. Hence we find a nonequilibrium brittle to ductile transition.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Article number | 035401 |
| Pages (from-to) | 354011-354015 |
| Number of pages | 5 |
| Journal | Physical Review B - Condensed Matter and Materials Physics |
| Volume | 65 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| State | Published - Jan 15 2002 |
| Externally published | Yes |
All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes
- Electronic, Optical and Magnetic Materials
- Condensed Matter Physics