Significant correlation between macroscopic and microscopic parameters for the description of localized plastic flow auto-waves in deforming alloys

Understanding of mechanical properties of materials and a possibility to predicting them from ab initio calculations have fundamental importance for solid state theory. In this work we establish a significant correlation between the product of the macroscopic parameters of localized plastic flow auto-waves in deforming alloys, their length and propagation rate and the product of the microscopic (lattice) parameters of these materials, the spacing between close-packed planes of the lattice and the rate of transverse elastic waves. Thus, these products can be regard as invariants of plastic and elastic deformation processes, respectively. Moreover, the established regularity suggests that the elastic and the plastic processes simultaneously involved in the deformation are closely related. Our work also demonstrates that ab initio simulations can be used for the prediction of parameters of localized plastic flow auto-waves in deforming alloys.

► We determine parameters of localized plastic flow autowaves in metallic alloys. ► Lengths and propagation rates of the autowaves are determined experimentally. ►Ab initio calculations are carried out for material specific microscopic parameters. ► Significant correlation is established between the former and the latter. ► This suggests that the elastic and the plastic processes are closely related.