Unveiling the nature of nanoscale crystal plasticity using straws

The simulation and visualization of atomic scale behavior during plastic deformation in crystals have been of great interest. Here the authors report a new form of crystal models using stacked drinking straws. The straw model is subjected to indentation pressing while the load-displacement response is measured in situ. Detailed atomistic mechanisms observed during indentation loading are seen to correlate with the overall mechanical response, as well as with theory and previous experiments. Various microscopic features and atomic defects are also incorporated, illustrating the capability of this viable tool for studying nanoscale-mechanical phenomena.