This paper overviews the results of recent experiments, molecular dynamics simulations and theoretical models concerning the unique mechanical properties of bulk nanotwinned metals and twinned nanowires/nanopillars. The focuses are placed on the ultrahigh strength of nanotwinned metals, anomalous twin thickness dependence of their yield strength, stability of nanotwins under stress, and the effects of texture and loading anisotropy on the mechanical properties of textured nanotwinned metals. Also, we survey recent research efforts addressing the mechanisms of crack propagation and failure in nanotwinned metals, their fracture toughness and ductile-to-brittle transition observed in these structures with a change in their twin thickness. |
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