Effects of constraints on lattice re-orientation and strain in polycrystal plasticity simulations

Employing a rate-dependent crystal plasticity model implemented in a novel and fast algorithm, two instantiations of an OFHC copper microstructure have been simulated by FE modelling to 11% tensile engineering strain with two different sets of boundary conditions. Analysis of lattice rotations, strain distributions and global stress–strain response show the effect of changing from free to periodic boundary conditions to be a perturbation of a response dictated by the microstructure. Average lattice rotation for each crystallographic grain has been found to be in fair agreement with Taylor-constraint simulations while fine scale element-resolved analysis shows large deviations from this prediction. Locally resolved analysis shows the existence of large domains dominated by slip on only a few slip systems. The modelling results are discussed in the light of recent experimental advances with respect to 2- and 3-dimensional characterization and analysis methods.