The method of X-ray line profile analysis was applied to obtain statistical
parameters (average dislocation density, net dislocation polarization and
average dislocation density fluctuation) of the dislocation structure devel
oped in copper single crystals deformed in uniaxial compression. It is foun
d that during the plastic deformation, while the dislocation density increa
ses monotonously, the average fluctuation has a maximum at the transition f
rom stage II to stage m work hardening. The fractal properties of the dislo
cation structure are also investigated. Strong correlation was found betwee
n the fractal dimension and the relative dislocation density fluctuation. (
C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.