Atomistic simulations of dislocation processes in copper

We discuss atomistic simulations of dislocation processes in copper based on effective medium theory interatomic potentials. Results on screw dislocation structures and processes are reviewed with particular focus on point defect mobilities and processes involving cross slip. For example, the stability of screw dislocation dipoles is discussed. We show that the presence of jogs will strongly influence cross slip barriers and dipole stability. We furthermore present some new results on jogged edge dislocations and edge dislocation dipoles. The jogs are found to be extended, and simulations of vacancy controlled climb show the jogs to climb easily in their extended form. The stability of small vacancy dipoles is discussed and it is seen that the introduction of jogs may lead to the formation of Z-type faulted vacancy dipoles.