Introduction to dislocations

Dislocations are crucially important in determining the mechanical behaviour of materials. This teaching and learning package provides an introduction to dislocations and their motion through a crystal. A 'bubble raft' model is used to demonstrate some of the features of dislocations and other lattice defects. Some methods for observing real dislocations in materials are examined.

Photograph of a bubble raft

Aims Before you start Introduction Dislocations in 2D Bubble raft Dislocation motion Dislocation glide Dislocations in 3D Observing dislocations Summary Questions Going further

begin

First created: April 2004. "Going further" updated: January 2008.