Solid solution hardening - a comparison of two models

In this paper, a discrete-obstacle and a collective model of solution harde ning are compared. In the former model, interaction between a dislocation a nd a single solute is considered, while in the latter, the dislocation line interacts collectively with a row of solutes. Model predictions are compar ed with experimental data for Cu-Mn and Nb-Mo single crystal systems and a Ni-C polycrystal system. The collective model gives better results for the two fee systems while the bcc system cannot be explained well by either. Th e limitations and modelling capability of the two approaches are discussed with respect to the experimental information. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V . All rights reserved.