Stored energy and structure in top-down processed nanostructured metals

Differential scanning calorimetry measurements of the stored energy in nanostructured metals produced by plastic deformation generally show a large difference to estimates based on a microstructural analysis. Some of the assumptions involved in such comparisons are discussed and the importance of considering both low-angle and high-angle boundaries is highlighted. The inherent heterogeneity of microstructures produced by plastic deformation ensures that these two techniques should be considered as complimentary.