Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
Atomic-scale computer simulation has been used to investigate the interaction of crystal dislocations with two interfaces in hexagonal-close-packed (HCP) metals, namely the {1012} twin boundary and a <1210>/90° tilt boundary that is incommensurate in the direction perpendicular to the tilt axis. Crystal dislocations are absorbed in the tilt boundary with concomitant reconstruction of their cores. In the twin boundary, a broader range of interactions is observed, including defect transmission from matrix to twin and decomposition in the interface into discrete defects. The role of crystallographic features and interfacial structure is elucidated by comparing interaction processes in the two interfaces. The core structure of interfacial defects can be complex and contributes significantly to total defect energy.