Abstract Gradient nanostructured metals are increasingly being investigated due to their unique mechanical properties and deformation mechanisms, and are emerging as a new research frontier in mechanical science and mechanics. This review summarizes strength, ductility, fatigue resistance and other mechanical properties of gradient nanostructured metals, followed by a discussion about plastic deformation mechanisms of gradient nanostructured metals, including grain growth, plastic strain gradient and geometrically necessary dislocations. Multiscale modeling and simulations of gradient nanostructured metals are introduced with a focus on finite element method and molecular dynamics simulation method. A range of challenges to the research of mechanics of gradient nanostructured metals are proposed in the end.
2019, Vol. 40 
