Abstract
In the usual case the strength of a crystalline material is determined by the motion of defects such as dislocations or cracks that are present within it. Materials scientists control strength by modifying the microstructure of the material to eliminate defects or flaws and inhibit the motion of dislocations. There is, however, an ultimate limit to the strength that can be obtained in this way. The mechanical stresses that are not relieved by plastic deformation or fracture are supported by elastic deformation, which is, essentially, the stretching of the interatomic bonds. These bonds have finite strength. There is a value of the stress at which bonding itself becomes unstable and the material must fracture or deform, whatever its microstructure. This elastic instability sets an upper bound on mechanical strength that cannot be exceeded, however creative a scientist may be.
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Morris, J.W. (2005). The Limits of Strength. In: Yip, S. (eds) Handbook of Materials Modeling. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3286-8_160
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4020-3286-8_160
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