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The superior strength-ductility combination in nanotwin (NT)-strengthened metals has provided a new potential for optimizing the mechanical properties of coarse-grained (CG) metals. In this paper computer simulations based on the mechanism-based strain gradient plasticity and the Johnson–Cook failure criterion have been carried out to uncover the critical factors that serve to provide this dual function. Our results indicate that both the distribution characteristics of the NT regions and the constitutive relations of the NT phase can have a significant impact on the strength and ductility of the CG Cu strengthened by the NT regions. In particular, twin spacing, distribution characteristics such as arrangement, shape and orientation, together with volume fraction of the NT regions, can all have significant effects. Along the way, we also discovered that microcrack initiation, coalescence and deflection constituted the entire failure process. Significant insights into the morphology of NT regions that could deliver superior strength and ductility combination for CG metals have been established.

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Coarse-grained (CG) metals strengthened by nanotwinned (NT) regions have both ultrahigh strength and good ductility. The presence of the NT regions contributes to their ultrahigh strength, while their good ductility is attributed to the recrystallized coarse grains. These characteristics make them a potential candidate for bullet-proof material. In this paper, numerical simulations based on the mechanism-based strain gradient plasticity and the Johnson–Cook failure criterion are carried out to investigate the effects of twin spacing and microstructural attributes on the ballistic performance of CG copper strengthened by NT regions. We investigate the performance of fourteen idealized microstructures, and find that smaller twin spacing and regular distribution of NT regions are more conducive to the promotion of the ballistic performance. We also uncover that the role of the shape of NT regions is significantly affected by twin spacing. Furthermore, we make a comparison with its CG counterpart without NTs, and find that microstructures with array arrangement of NT regions have higher limit velocities and smaller relative displacements than the single phase CG structure. This makes them a strong candidate for helmets and other personal protective equipments. It is believed that the simulated results could provide useful insights into the development of this advanced class of metals for ballistic protection.

The student author, whose presentation of the scholarship herein was approved by the program of study committee, is solely responsible for the content of this dissertation. The Graduate College will ensure this dissertation is globally accessible and will not permit alterations after a degree is conferred.