Erick Adrian P.

Cansancio

ECEng 3-A

07/06/15

1.
An ideal crystal is a repetition of identical structural units in a three
dimensional space. The periodicity is described by a mathematical lattice (which are
mathematical points at specific coordinates in space); the identical structural units (or base of the
crystal) are the atoms in some specific arrangements which are unambiguously placed at every
lattice point. Note that a lattice is not a crystal; even so the two words are often used
synonymously in colloquial language, especially in the case of elemental crystals where the base
consists of one atom only.
2.
A perfect crystal, with every atom of the same type in the correct position,
does not exist. All crystals have some defects. Defects contribute to the mechanical properties of
metals. In fact, using the term defect is sort of a misnomer since these features are commonly
intentionally used to manipulate the mechanical properties of a material. Adding alloying
elements to a metal is one way of introducing a crystal defect. Nevertheless, the term defect
will be used, just keep in mind that crystalline defects are not always bad. There are basic classes
of crystal defects:
1. Point Defects - Point defects are where an atom is missing or at an irregular place in lattice
structure. Point defects produce local distortions in perfect lattice. The amount of distortion
depends upon the amount of space between the atoms and the size of the atoms.
In pure metal, two types of point defects are possible:
Intrinsic
Intrinsic point defects are of two types:
Vacancy - formed by the removal of an atom from an atomic site
Self-Interstitial Atoms formed by introduction of an atom from a non-lattice site
Extrinsic - Extrinsic point defect is present in the lattice having impurity atoms. Impurity
atom can take up two different types of sites:
Substitution impurity atom - an impurity atom which replaces the parent atom in the
lattice at lattice site
Interstitial impurity atom - an atom of impurity at a non-lattice site
2. Line Defects - Defects that are produced due to the misalignment of atoms in a crystal lattice.
Line defect produces two types of dislocations:
Edge dislocation - caused by the termination of a plane of atoms in the middle of a crystal.
The adjacent planes are not straight but instead bend around the edge of the terminating plane
so that the crystal structure is perfectly ordered on either side.
Screw dislocation - formed when the misalignment shifts a block of ions gradually
downwards or upwards, causing the formation of a screw-like deformation.

3. Planar Defects - In planar defects, boundaries or planes are formed, separating the structure
into regions, having the same crystal structure but with different orientations.
Planar defects include:
Stacking faults - In FCC structure, two types of stacking faults are present, intrinsic &
extrinsic. The stacking sequence in HCP structure is ABABAB So, if the HCP structure is
going along as ABABAB and suddenly switches to ABABABCABAB, there is a stacking
fault present.
Grain boundaries - The grain boundaries defect may develop when the arrangement of the
atoms in each grain is identical but with different orientations.
Twin boundaries - a plane, across which there is a special mirror image which misses
orientation of the crystal structure. The twin boundaries can be produced when a shear force
acting along the boundary causes the atoms to shift out of position.
4. Volumetric Defects - Volumetric defects occur on a much bigger scale than the rest of the
crystal defects. Voids, porosity and precipitates are the volumetric defects. They are also regions
where there are a large number of atoms missing from the structure. Voids can occur for a
number of reasons. When voids occur, due to air bubbles which trapped, a material solidifies,
that is commonly called porosity. Another type of volumetric defect occurs, when impurity
atoms cluster together to form small regions of a different phase. That is another form of
volumetric defect.
It is important to note at this point that plastic deformation in a material occurs
due to the movement of dislocations (linear defects). Millions of dislocations result for plastic
forming operations such as rolling and extruding. It is also important to note that any defect in
the regular lattice structure disrupts the motion of dislocation, which makes slip or plastic
deformation more difficult. These defects not only include the point and planer defects
mentioned above, and also other dislocations. Dislocation movement produces additional
dislocations, and when dislocations run into each other it often impedes movement of the
dislocations. This drives up the force needed to move the dislocation or, in other words,
strengthens the material.
Reference:
http://www.slideshare.net/e_gulfam/crystalline-defects
http://www.tf.uni-kiel.de/matwis/amat/def_en/kap_1/basics/b1_3_1.html
https://www.ndeed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Materials/Structure/crystal_defects.htm