A long term interest is in understanding micro-mechanisms of strain localization and crack initiation in metals and alloys during deformation - both as it limits forming processes in manufacturing and performance in service. A particular interest is in understanding material response to fatigue loading. We have conducted fundamental studies of dislocation patterning and PSB formation in Cu single crystals using electron channelling contrast imaging. More currently we have been mapping how local grain morphologies and orientations leads to patterning in the local plastic strain, dislcocation density and stresses.
