Adding Strength, Keeping Ductility (IMAGE) Brown University Caption In steelmaking, there's a tradeoff between strength and ductility, the ability to stretch. New research shows that the tradeoff can be evaded by pre-treating steel cylinders with torsion. Twisting causes microstructures called deformation twins to form on the outside of the cylinder, making it stronger. The twins do not form in the middle, which stays ductile. Credit Gao Lab/Brown University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed 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.