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  • © 2015

Stochastic Dynamics of Crystal Defects

  • Nominated as an outstanding Ph.D. thesis by the Imperial College London, UK
  • Provides detailed derivation of an exact equation of motion for defects and dislocations, with no recourse to elasticity theory
  • Presents the introduction and application of new techniques in multiscale analysis applied to many-body stochastic dynamics in periodic systems
  • Outlines novel methods for extracting the interaction of dislocations and defects with thermal vibrations in molecular dynamics simulation
  • Includes supplementary material: sn.pub/extras

Part of the book series: Springer Theses (Springer Theses)

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Table of contents (7 chapters)

  1. Front Matter

    Pages i-xviii
  2. Introduction

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 1-5
  3. Dislocations

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 7-15
  4. Stochastic Motion

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 17-25
  5. Atomistic Simulations in bcc Metals

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 27-47
  6. Properties of Coarse Grained Dislocations

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 49-76
  7. The Stochastic Force on Crystal Defects

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 77-88
  8. Conclusions and Outlook

    • Thomas D. Swinburne
    Pages 89-90
  9. Back Matter

    Pages 91-100

About this book

This thesis is concerned with establishing a rigorous, modern theory of the stochastic and dissipative forces on crystal defects, which remain poorly understood despite their importance in any temperature dependent micro-structural process such as the ductile to brittle transition or irradiation damage.

The author first uses novel molecular dynamics simulations to parameterise an efficient, stochastic and discrete dislocation model that allows access to experimental time and length scales. Simulated trajectories are in excellent agreement with experiment. The author also applies modern methods of multiscale analysis to extract novel bounds on the transport properties of these many body systems.

Despite their successes in coarse graining, existing theories are found unable to explain stochastic defect dynamics. To resolve this, the author defines crystal defects through projection operators, without any recourse to elasticity. By rigorous dimensional reduction, explicit analytical forms are derived for the stochastic forces acting on crystal defects, allowing new quantitative insight into the role of thermal fluctuations in crystal plasticity.

Authors and Affiliations

  • Theory and Modelling, Culham Science Centre, Culham Centre for Fusion Energy, Oxfordshire, United Kingdom

    Thomas D Swinburne

About the author

First Degree in Physics at Mansfield College, Oxford University.
Masters and PhD in Theory and Simulation of Materials at Imperial College, London under Prof Adrian Sutton FRS and Prof Sergei Dudarev. Currently fusion research fellow at the Culham Centre for Fusion Energy.

Bibliographic Information

Buy it now

Buying options

eBook USD 84.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Hardcover Book USD 109.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Durable hardcover edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Other ways to access