Mesoscopic simulations of plastic deformation

This review is focused on recent progress achieved by mesoscopic simulations of plastic deformation. The methods presently available for discretizing the dislocation lines are critically discussed with emphasis on a new lattice-based model. Progress in large-scale simulations is represented by a study on the influence of long range elastic stresses on the formation of dislocation patterns in fcc crystals. A hybrid discrete-continuum method that provides an exact treatment of the boundary conditions is described and illustrated by an investigation of the critical conditions for dislocation motion in the channels of γ/γ′ superalloys.