Predicting active slip systems in β-Sn from ideal shear resistance

We analyse the ideal shear resistances of 15 nonequivalent slip systems in beta-Sn using first-principles density functional theory. From the ideal shear resistance and Schmid's law, the orientation dependence of active slip systems in a beta-Sn single crystal subjected to uniaxial tension is investigated. We find that (1 0 1)[(1) over bar 0 1] has the lowest ideal shear resistance among the 15 slip systems. Our calculations indicate that, depending on crystal orientation, uniaxial tension activates seven nonequivalent groups of slip systems. The active slip systems for [1 0 0] and [1 1 0] orientations determined in this study agree with the experimental results.