Strain gradient effects on microscopic strain field in a metal matrix composite (Q1574640)

Using the finite-strain gradient crystal plasticity theory, the authors formulate the principle of mechanical work implemented in finite element method, and introduce a relaxation with strain-rate gradient as independent degree of freedom. This quantity is constrained through Lagrange multipliers which are gradients of double stress tensor of third order. Further, assuming that a single crystal is plastically deformed by a dislocational glide (slip in continuum theory) along a set of slip directions and normal planes, the authors decompose the velocity gradient tensor into Euler strain and material spin-rate tensors, partitioned in turn into elastic and plastic parts with determined Schmid orientation tensors. By this way, the authors obtain plastic strain-rate gradients and plastic work rate which are used in the frame of a hardening relation due to the production of dislocations which accommodate the spatially non-uniform strain. A power-law relation characterizes the respective slip. As an elastic constitutive law is needed, the authors resort to Jaumann co-rotational rates which contain fourth- and sixth-order modulus tensors. Hence, the evolution of simple and double stress tensors can be described analytically. Other form of stresses is derived from elastic strain energy potential. The constitutive equations are integrated numerically by using a backward return scheme with double iterations, which is found to be numerically more stable than other schemes proposed in the literature. The applications concern a rectangular aluminum single crystal matrix with an embedded rectangular SiC wisker. Results are thoroughly analysed, represented in 7 diagrams, and are compared with performed experiments.