In situ investigations of deformation in nanocrystalline Fe73.5Cu1Nb3Si13.5B9 alloy

The nanophase Fe73.5CU1Nb3Si13.5B9 alloy obtained by nanocrystallization fr om the amorphous state was studied. The investigation of the deformation of the nanophase alloy having an average grain size of 10 nm by active stretc hing in the column of an electron microscope showed that the deformation oc curred by the rotation of nanograins and their adjustment to an orientation that is closest for a number of nanograins oriented in the direction of ma ximum shear stresses relative to the stretching axis and subsequent sliding of nanograin groups in this direction ("effect of load transportation on p arallel rollers"). In the process of sliding, interaction between defects o ccurs in the boundaries and near-boundary regions. Deformation develops thr ough "spilling" and formation of new "parallel rollers" up to the complete failure of a specimen, which occurs because of the strong localization of d eformation.