Theoretical study of dislocation emission around a nanoindentation using a static atomistic model

This study uses an atomistic approach to simulate the emission of dislocations around a nanoindentation on a (001) copper surface. This approach is quasistatic, and is therefore computationally efficient. The simulation results illustrate the nucleation and emission of the dislocations. Slip vector analysis facilitates the observation of the dislocations and enables an interpretation of the dislocation reactions which are induced during the nanoindentation cycle. The results confirm that the von Mises shear stress is a good indicator of the atomic plastic behavior which occurs during the nanoindentation process.