Formation of nanocrystals due to giant-fault deformation in Gum Metals

A special micromechanism for stress-driven formation of nanocrystals (nanoscale grains) in Gum Metals (new Ti-based alloys with remarkable mechanical properties) is suggested and theoretically described. Within our description, intersection of giant faults – carriers of highly localized plastic deformation – and grain boundaries (GBs) induces transformations of GBs. These transformations lead to formation of nanocrystals and delocalization of plastic flow in Gum Metals. The theoretical results account for corresponding experimental data reported in the literature.