Sample size and orientation effects of single crystal aluminum

The mechanical behavior of single crystal Al sample with different sizes in mini-, micro- and nano-scales and different loading directions along [111] and [110] have been systematically investigated. The sample size and orientation effects are examined. The results are compared with previously reported data on other face-centered cubic Ni, Cu, Au and Ag, establishing an interesting trend for sample size effect with respect to stacking fault energy. With higher stacking fault energy and thus higher dislocation mobility such as Al, the sample size dependence would be lower.