Dislocation dynamics simulations of fatigue of precipitation-hardened materials

Fatigue tests of precipitation-hardened material are simulated in 3D using a new parallel discrete dislocation dynamics code. Simple geometries are used for the simulation volume and the particles. The evolution of the particle’s strength by shearing-off is assumed in a simplified manner in order to study the effects of shearable and non-shearable particles on the formation of the PSBs. The simulated microstructural features of fatigue are in good qualitative agreement with experimental observations. Dislocation mechanisms for PSBs formation are detailed in this work.