Numerical modelling of dislocations and deformation mechanisms in CaIrO3 and MgGeO3 post-perovskites—Comparison with MgSiO3 post-perovskite

In this study, we propose a theoretical approach to test the validity of the isomechanical analogues for post-perovskite structures. Intrinsic plastic properties are evaluated for three materials exhibiting a post-perovskite phase: MgSiO3, MgGeO3 and CaIrO3. Dislocation properties of each structure are determined using the Peierls–Nabarro model based on first-principles calculations of generalised stacking fault and the plastic properties are extended to crystal-preferred orientations using a visco-plastic self-consistent method. This study provides intrinsic parameters of plastic deformation such as dislocation structures and Peierls stresses that can be directly compared between the three materials. It appears that it is very difficult to draw any simple conclusions on polycrystalline deformation simply by comparing single crystal properties. In particular, contrasting single crystal properties of MgSiO3 and CaIrO3 lead to similar crystal-preferred orientation of the polycrystal aggregates.