Scale transitions in crystal plasticity by dislocation dynamics simulations

This article shows, on the base of recent results, that dislocation dynamics simulations provide a unique opportunity for establishing scale transitions in crystal plasticity. In the present study, transitions are performed between elementary dislocation mechanisms, collective and intermittent slip events at the mesoscale and the mechanical response of bulk materials with low lattice resistance. In fcc crystals, the insight that is obtained provides guidelines for the modeling of collective dislocation behavior. It also allows incorporating more physical input into phenomenological models for strain hardening and improving their predictive ability. (C) 2010 Academie des sciences. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.