Frank–Read source

In <a href="/facts/Materials_science/N5HrXRYW">materials science</a>, a Frank–Read source is a mechanism explaining the generation of multiple <a href="/facts/Dislocation/m1tkJYIq">dislocations</a> in specific well-spaced <a href="/facts/Slip_(materials_science)/P29xbKBu">slip</a> planes in <a href="/facts/Crystal/e2R2mk3E">crystals</a> when they are <a href="/facts/Deformation_(physics)/xK7R59oI">deformed</a>. When a crystal is deformed, in order for slip to occur, dislocations must be generated in the material. This implies that, during deformation, dislocations must be primarily generated in these planes. <a href="/facts/Cold_work/aH1dveDu">Cold working</a> of metal increases the number of dislocations by the Frank–Read mechanism. Higher dislocation density increases <a href="/facts/Yield_strength/mrSg02gW">yield strength</a> and causes <a href="/facts/Work_hardening/Jh38U7rz">work hardening</a> of metals.
The mechanism of dislocation generation was proposed by and named after British physicist <a href="/facts/Charles_Frank_(physicist)/sr8Hn4X7">Charles Frank</a> and Thornton Read.
In 2024, Cheng Long and coworkers demonstrated that the Frank-Read mechanism can generate <a href="/facts/Disclination/FqTITKum">disclination</a> loops in nematic liquid crystals. This finding suggests that the Frank-Read mechanism may arise in a broader class of materials containing <a href="/facts/Topological_defect/Hqrvx2Lj">topological defect</a> lines.

Frank–Read source open-in-new

Frank–Read source