A model for rolling deformation with grain subdivision. Part I: The initial stage

A model is presented for plastic deformation with grain subdivision into parallel bands. The experimental reference is the subdivision into “cell blocks” observed in rolled aluminium. The model maintains intragranular strain continuity between the bands with relaxed constraints. One version of the model maintains intergranular strain continuity by imposing identical strains in all grains. Another version does not provide formal fulfilment of intergranular strain continuity, but it tries to minimize strain discontinuity by selection of the appropriate physical solutions. Part I deals with the initial stage of grain subdivision at low strain. Part II (Leffers, T. 2001. A model for rolling deformation with grain subdivision. Part II: the subsequent stage. Int. J. Plasticity 17, 491–511.) deals with the subsequent stages at higher strains and the resulting rolling texture.