Obliqueslip

Obliqueslip is a proposed mode of plastic deformation in crystalline solids in which dislocations glide along oblique planes, producing slip that is not aligned with the primary conventional slip systems. The phenomenon is invoked to describe deformation patterns that combine shear with a component of movement normal to the standard slip direction, potentially leading to complex microstructural changes and anisotropic mechanical response.

Etymology and scope: The term is formed from oblique, referring to the slanted slip plane, and slip, in the sense of dislocation glide. It is used in theoretical discussions of plasticity where multi-plane or mixed-mode slip is considered.

Mechanism: Under complex, multi-axial loading, dislocations may encounter oblique glide planes with lower energy barriers than along conventional planes. Obliqueslip involves glide along an oblique plane while interacting with lattice obstacles, such as forest dislocations and precipitates, potentially requiring partial climb or cross-slip. This creates mixed-mode shear bands and non-uniform local strains.

Evidence and status: Obliqueslip is largely theoretical and analytic, with some support from computer simulations that show oblique-slip events under specific loading paths in metals and ceramics. Experimental observation is challenging due to rapid, localized nature of slip and difficulty isolating oblique components.

Implications and uses: If validated, obliqueslip could help explain unusual fracture surfaces and strength anisotropy, inform the design of alloys with engineered slip systems, and influence processing routes that tailor microstructure for multi-axial loading conditions.