Rate-independent plasticity and statistically stored dislocations

Abstract

We present here a continuum model for the evolution of the total dislocation density in the framework of rate-independent plasticity. Three basic physical features are taken into account: (i) the role of dislocation densities on hardening; (ii) the relations between the slip velocity and the mobility of gliding dislocations; (iii) the energetics of self and mutual interactions between dislocations. We restrict attention to plastic processes corresponding to single slip. Numerical simulations showing the formation of bands are also presented. Mathematics Subject Classification (2000). 74C15, 74E15.