How atoms move during shear deformtation (IMAGE) DOE/Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Caption PNNL researchers also took a closer look at how atoms in an imperfect gold crystal—one with existing defects in its atomic structure—were rearranged during shear deformation. The existing defects in the atomic structure altered how the atoms moved, resulting in different structures that could yield different material properties. Credit Animation by Sara Levine | Pacific Northwest National Laboratory Usage Restrictions None License Original content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.