This program focusses on enhancement in ductility in body-centered cubic metals where limitations in dislocation mobility exists. Ordered intermetallic alloys and body-centered cubic metals are investigated and compared. Surface film/substrate interfaces and internal precipitate/matrix interfaces are examined under applied static and cyclic stresses. Metal-to-metal, metal-to- intermetallic, and intermetallic-to-intermetallic interfaces are included in the study. Surface film softening phenomena are investigated with the idea to determine what materials respond to this behavior, factors that control it, and effects of cyclic deformation. High resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic modeling of interfaces will be employed.
