Computational crystal plasticity

To better predict material response associated with plastic deformations, p lasticity models for behaviors over an extensive range of length scales are being combined to give a more comprehensive representation of the material . The breadth of the length scales naturally enters a more complete materia l description through the influences that features of the structure of many sizes have on the mechanical responses. The effective inclusion of materia l structure in simulations is pushing applied plasticity toward more highly quantitative implementations. Computed costs are greater in many respects, but the potential rewards are simulations with much greater relevance to c urrent engineering applications. The focus of this paper is on a number of trends and issues related to these implementations and their use. In partic ular: we examine the methodologies for describing material structure at mul tiple scales within the context of simulation and discuss techniques used t o compute properties and to evolve the state based on features of the struc ture. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.