The deformation of metals by self-diffusion

Abstract

The experimental data on the deformation of metals at temperatures near their melting points is reassessed. It seems that at any given stress, an initial period in which the strain rate decreases is followed by a second period in which the strain rate is constant. The Nabarro-Herring theory satisfactorily accounts for the constant strain rate. In the initial period, the higher strain rate cannot entirely be attributed to offsetting and kinking at grain boundaries. It is suggested that edge dislocations may rotate about suitable nodes, and in planes normal to their slip planes, thus acting as sources or sinks for vacancies during the initial period.