Ripplocations in layered materials: Sublinear scaling and basal climb

The ripplocation is a crystallographic defect which is unique to layered materials, combining nanoscale delamination with the crystallographic slip of a basal dislocation. Here, we have studied basal dislocations and ripplocations, in single and multiple van der Waals layers, using analytical and computational techniques. Expressions for the energetic and structural scaling factors of surface ripplocations are derived, which are in close correspondence to the physics of a classical carpet ruck. Our simulations demonstrate that the lowest-energy structure of dislocation pileups in layered materials is the ripplocation, while large dislocation pileups in bulk graphite demonstrate multilayer delamination, curvature, and voids. This can provide a concise explanation for the large volumetric expansion seen in irradiated graphite.

Automated summary

In this study, basal dislocations and ripplocations in layered materials were investigated using analytical and computational techniques. It was found that the energetic and structural scaling factors of surface ripplocations are closely related to the physics of a classical carpet ruck. Simulations showed that the lowest-energy structure of dislocation pileups in layered materials is the ripplocation, while large dislocation pileups in bulk graphite exhibited multilayer delamination, curvature, and voids, providing a concise explanation for the large volumetric expansion seen in irradiated graphite.