Evolution of the length scale in strain gradient plasticity

• An equivalence is assumed between a microstructural length scale related to dislocation density and the constitutive length scale parameter in phenomenological strain gradient plasticity. An evolution law is formed on an incremental basis for the constitutive length scale parameter. Specific evolution equations are established through interpretations of the relation between changes in dislocation densities and increments in plastic strain and strain gradient. The length scale evolution has been implemented in a 2D-plane strain finite element method (FEM) code, which has been used to study a beam in pure bending. The main effect of the length scale evolution on the response of the beam is a decreased strain hardening, which in cases of small beam thicknesses even leads to a strain softening behavior. An intense plastic strain gradient may develop close to the neutral axis and can be interpreted as a pile-up of dislocations. The effects of the length scale evolution on the mechanical fields are compared with respect to the choice of length evolution equation.

Subject headings

TEKNIK OCH TEKNOLOGIER  -- Maskinteknik -- Teknisk mekanik (hsv//swe)

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY  -- Mechanical Engineering -- Applied Mechanics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

Length scale evolution

Strain gradient plasticity

Size effects

Dislocation mean free path

Dislocation microstructure

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)