Linking nanoscale and macroscale: calculation of the change in crack growth resistance of steels with different states of Cu precipitation using a modification of stress-strain curves owing to dislocation theory

In the present study, strengthening of steels due to Cu precipitates in the nanometer scale is investigated. These precipitates lead to a significant increase of the matrix yield stress due to impeded dislocation movement. Th is effect can be treated quantitatively on the mesomechanical level of disl ocation theory. The impact on the macroscopic failure behaviour of ferritic steel is investigated in the framework of damage theory. The presented str ategy can be also applied to related materials science problems. (C) 2000 E lsevier Science S.A. AU rights reserved.