THE DEFORMATION-BEHAVIOR OF ALLOYS COMPRISING 2 DUCTILE PHASES .1. DEFORMATION-THEORY

A topological transformation has been proposed, which allows a two-pha se microstructure with any combination of grain-size, grain-shape, and phase distribution, to be translated into a body consisting of three well-defined microstructural elements aligned along a particular direc tion of interest. The resultant three-element body is shown to be mech anically equivalent to the original body along this direction. The con cept of contiguity and allied topological parameters have been combine d with Eshelby's continuum transformation theory to determine the inte rnal stresses and strains, the true stress strain curve. and the in si tu stress and the in situ plastic strain distribution in the three mic rostructural elements and thus derive the mechanical properties of the aggregate. This approach incorporates the interaction between particl es of the same phase and the effect of phase distribution as well as t he effect of volume fraction. Applications of the theory are given in a companion paper.