Twin networks in hexagonal close-packed metals: Morphology, connectivity, and incompatibilities

The mechanical response of hexagonal close-packed metals is mediated by the formation of three-dimensional twin domain networks. To assess the morphology of these networks and statistically characterize their fingerprint, a three-dimensional twin network in cryogenically compressed high-purity Ti was reconstructed using serial sectioning electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). Adjoining intergranular twin pairs, high order twin intersections (e.g. triple junctions of twins), and twin network hubs with over 15 separate intergranular and intragranular contacts are found to be salient morphological features of these networks. Using kinematics, the interfacial incompatibilities arising from these twin contact at grain boundaries are studied. The analysis reveals that numerous misaligned paired twin configurations generate high incompatibilities, likely resulting from the contact between two initially distinct twin chains. These configurations generally induce higher incompatibilities than the ones of the individual twins, equivalent to introducing a dense wall of dislocations at twin-grain boundary facets with a dislocation spacing on the order of 1.3 nm or less. In contrast, the shear incompatibilities resulting from the formation of aligned twin pairs are generally reduced compared to non-transmitting twins. Further, twin triple junctions and branches – consisting of intergranular contact of three co-located twins – induce higher incompatibilities on average compared to adjoining twin pairs and represent sources of high shear localization in the domain network.