Monazite Deformation Twinning Research

AFRL scientists have significantly advanced the understanding of a phenomenon called deformation twinning, a major materials deformation mechanism that is particularly important at low temperatures and high strain rates. Working with industry, laboratory researchers successfully identified five deformation twin modes in monazite, a complex mineral with low symmetry. They were able to explain the existence of these modes using fundamental principles that should ultimately prove useful for the prediction of deformation twinning in more complex systems. These studies help scientists obtain the knowledge required to create better tools for analyzing the composition and application potential of minerals and other natural materials essential both to the development of national defense systems and to the research and development of dynamic new commercial products.