Shear response of β-SiC bulk dependent on temperature and strain rate

The shear responses of β-SiC are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation with the Tersoff interatomic potential. Results show a clear decreasing trend in critical stress, fracture strain and shear modulus as temperature increases. Above a critical temperature, β-SiC bulk just fractures after the elastic deformation. However, below the critical temperature, an interesting pattern in β-SiC bulk emerges due to the elongation of Si-C bonds before fracture. Additionally, the shear deformation of β-SiC at room temperature is found to be dependent on the strain rate. This study may shed light on the deformation mechanism dependent on temperature and strain rate.