Surface Relief Formation in Relation to the Underlying Dislocation Arrangement
Two fatigued materials with f.c.c. lattice, i.e. pure polycrystalline copper and austenitic Sanicro 25 stainless steel, were subjected to the study of the persistent slip markings (PSMs) developed on the surface of the suitably oriented grains. They were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thin surface FIB lamellae were prepared and studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The aim was to correlate the specimen surface profile with the underlying internal dislocation structure. The localization of the intensive cyclic slip into persistent slip bands (PSBs) of the material was observed and associated with the PSMs on the specimen surface. Extrusions, intrusions and the dislocation structure appertaining to them were analysed, documented and discussed in relation to the models of fatigue crack initiation.