Misorientation

Misorientation refers to the angular deviation in the crystal lattice structure of a material, particularly when comparing the orientation of adjacent grains or regions. It quantifies the difference in crystallographic directions and influences the material's physical and mechanical properties. High misorientation can lead to grain boundaries, affecting properties like strength, ductility, and electrical conductivity. Accurate determination is crucial in materials science for microstructural characterization and process optimization.

Misorientation meaning with examples

• The analysis revealed a significant misorientation between the grains in the weld zone, which contributed to its reduced toughness. Studying the local misorientation allowed us to understand the crack propagation pathway and predict the material’s failure.
• During the epitaxial growth process, the deposited thin film exhibited a misorientation compared to the substrate crystal structure, resulting in imperfections. The impact on the film's functionality was observed when it was under high stress or heat.
• Transmission electron microscopy was used to map the misorientation across the deformed metal specimen. The distribution map pinpointed regions with high levels of strain and provided insight into the plastic deformation mechanisms that were observed in the material.
• The grain boundary network of the metal alloy exhibited a wide range of misorientation angles, impacting its corrosion resistance in the given environment. Precise control of the grain misorientation is crucial for the alloy’s desired characteristics.
• Using advanced diffraction techniques, the researchers determined the local misorientation gradients within the ceramic material, providing the evidence that thermal stresses have initiated micro-cracking. This understanding can be used to prevent fracture.