Mesoscopic simulations of plastic deformation

This review is focused on recent progress achieved by mesoscopic simulation s of plastic deformation. The methods presently available for discretizing the dislocation lines are critically discussed with emphasis on a new latti ce-based model. Progress in large-scale simulations is represented by a stu dy on the influence of long range elastic stresses on the formation of disl ocation patterns in fee crystals. A hybrid discrete-continuum method that p rovides an exact treatment of the boundary conditions is described and illu strated by an investigation of the critical conditions for dislocation moti on in the channels of gamma/gamma ' superalloys. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.