Published online by Cambridge University Press: 07 June 2011
Metallic nanostructures and specifically nanowires can be used for technological breakthroughs. Experimental measurements have provided insights on the mechanical properties of metallic nanostructures. In conjunction, modeling analyses provide an understanding of the underlying deformation and strengthening mechanisms in nanostructures. Most modeling studies on nanostructures are based on atomistic and molecular dynamics simulations, and though invaluable, they are limited to nanoscale dimensions of a few tens of nanometers, at small temporal scales, and physically unrealistic strain rates. Furthermore, most of the current applications for free-standing metallic nanostructures require high aspect ratios with at least one dimension greater than a few hundred nanometers. A continuum microstructurally based approach can, therefore, provide insights on design of one-dimensional nanowires on a physically relevant scale. Hence, we use a multiple-slip crystal plasticity formulation that is adapted to single crystal gold nanowires to simulate the experimental setup for a two-end fixed nanowire subjected to bending.