Modeling the evolution in microstructure and properties during plastic deformation of f.c.c.-metals and alloys – an approach towards a unified model

A new approach to the modeling of work hardening during plastic deformation of f.c.c.-metals and alloys has been recently proposed by the present authors. The model is based on a statistical approach to the problem of athermal storage of dislocations. By combining the solution for the dislocation storage problem with models for dynamic recovery of network dislocations and sub-boundary structures, a general internal state variable description is obtained. The model includes effects due to variations in: (i) stacking fault energy, (ii) grain size, (iii) solid solution content, and (iv) particle size and volume fraction. The result is a work hardening model, which in principle is capable of providing the stress–strain behavior for a given metal or solid solution alloy under condition ranging from deformation in the ambient temperature range to high temperature creep. It will be demonstrated that the model predictions, in terms of microstructure evolution and associated properties, in general, are in good agreement with experimental observations.