Uncommon deformation mechanisms during fatigue-crack propagation in nanocrystalline alloys.

The irreversible damage at cracks during the fatigue of crystalline solids is well known. Here we report on in situ high-energy x-ray evidence of reversible fatigue behavior in a nanocrystalline NiFe alloy both in the plastic zone and around the crack tip. In the plastic zone, the deformation is fully recoverable as the crack propagates, and the plastic deformation invokes reversible interactions of dislocation and twinning in the nanograins.

Post-yield nanomechanics of human cortical bone in compression using synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques.

The ultrastructural response to applied loads governs the post-yield deformation and failure behavior of bone, and is correlated with bone fragility fractures. Combining a novel progressive loading protocol and synchrotron X-ray scattering techniques, this study investigated the correlation of the local deformation (i.e.