Independent slip systems in crystals

Abstract

The number of independent slip systems available in a given slip mode follows from the yield surface of the crystal. This general method is summarized to complement a recent paper by Groves and Kelly. On some points we come to different conclusions: the amount of slip in a new mode does not have to be independent of the amounts in previous modes to provide extra independent systems; the number of independent systems that have to be available for general bicrystal deformation is found to be two in most orientation relationships. Some implications for the interpretation of experimental observations are stated.