Molecular dynamics simulation on torsion deformation of copper aluminum core–shell nanowires

Nanowires are one-dimensional structures with a cross-sectional size of less than 100 nm, which are one of the classic nanomaterials; especially core–shell nanowires have excellent properties. The torsion of copper aluminum core–shell nanowires is simulated by molecular dynamics method. We found that the stability of copper aluminum core–shell nanowires with the lattice mismatch between core and shell is mainly due to the dislocation ring structure at the interface. Furthermore, the effects of torsion rate and temperature on the torsional response are discussed. The results show that the torsion rate does not change the elasticity of the nanowires, but a slight strengthening phenomenon appears at the higher torsion rate. The increase of temperature will greatly weaken the elastic deformation resistance of the nanowires.