Shear based analysis of nickel nano-plate by molecular dynamics simulations

The determination of shear based properties of Nickel (Ni) has a great importance since it is more likely to fail by shear than tension due to its ductile nature. It also features a wide variety of applications in structure, thin film, tubes, and plates due to its unique thermal and electrical properties. Molecular Dynamics Simulations were performed on Ni nano-plate subjected to shear loading to study the effect of voids in the structure using embedded atom method (EAM) potential. The shear stress-strain behavior was observed for Ni nano-plate with voids of 1.0 nm, 1.5 nm, and 2.0 nm radius. Snapshots taken at different strains show the formation of slip planes, crack propagation, and dislocation activity. Simulation results show that the modulus of rupture decreases with the increase of void radius due to more dislocation activity for larger void. Lastly, the effect of different void size on the shear modulus of rigidity is also incorporated.