A novel approach to study dislocation density tensors and lattice rotation patterns in atomistic simulations

► Dislocation networks are automatically identified in atomistic simulations. ► Dislocation density tensors are computed during nanoindentation in copper. ► Results are comparable to experiments on a larger length scale. ► Observed dislocation density patterns are explained by dislocation slip system. ► At low temperatures deformation twin boundaries accommodate large strain gradient.