Atomistic Insights into Grain Boundaries and Dislocations in Metals and Alloys
A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Metals and Alloys".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 March 2026 | Viewed by 42
Special Issue Editors
Interests: material defect physics; dislocation dynamics; multiscale modelling; crystal plasticity
Interests: experimental characterization of metals and alloys
Interests: additive manufacturing; computational modelling of metals and alloys; microstructural mechanics
Interests: crystal plasticity; lightweight alloys; dislocation dynamics
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Dislocations and grain boundaries are two of the most critical microstructural defects in crystalline metals and alloys. Their interactions, dynamics, and evolution significantly influence a wide range of mechanical properties, including strength, ductility, creep resistance, and fracture behavior, as well as their functional properties. A deep understanding of these defects, both individually and synergistically, is essential for advancing the development and performance of metallic materials, especially under extreme service conditions.
This Special Issue aims to bring together recent advances in the understanding, characterization, modeling, and engineering of dislocations and grain boundaries in both conventional and advanced metallic systems. We welcome original research articles and reviews that explore experimental, theoretical, and computational investigations across multiple lengths and time scales. Submissions addressing both fundamental mechanisms and application-driven engineering are highly encouraged.
Topics of interest include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Dislocation dynamics and mechanisms of plastic deformation;
- Grain boundary structure, mobility, and transformations;
- tomistic insight into dislocation–grain boundary interactions;
- Multiscale modeling and simulation (DFT, MD, DD, CP, etc.);
- In situ and advanced characterization techniques;
- Defect engineering for improved mechanical performance;
- The role of defects in fatigue, creep, and fracture processes;
- Microstructure–property relationships in conventional and advanced alloys.
We encourage submissions from researchers working across disciplines to foster interdisciplinary insights and spark innovation in defect physics and materials engineering.
We look forward to receiving your contributions.
Dr. Fengxian Liu
Dr. Zhida Liang
Prof. Dr. Xufei Lu
Guest Editors
Dr. Xiangru Guo
Guest Editor Assistant
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- dislocations
- grain boundaries
- dislocation–grain boundary interactions
- plastic deformation
- defect engineering
- crystalline materials
- multiscale modelling
- advanced characterization
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.