Texture and strain localization prediction using a N-site polycrystal model

Most polycrystal models of plastic deformation rely on the assumption that strain and stress are uniform within the domain of each grain. Comparison between measured and predicted textures suggests that this assumption is realistic for most single-phase aggregates and crystal symmetries. In this paper, we implement a self-consistent N-site model that allows one to account for strain localization and local misorientation near grain boundaries. We apply this model to face centered cubic (fcc) and hexagonal close packed (hcp) aggregates, and analyze the similarities and differences with a one-site model that assumes uniform stress and strain-rate within a grain. We find that the assumption of uniformity is justified in first order. We discuss the implications of the N-site model for the simulation of systems with hard inclusions, orientation correlations, and recrystallization mechanisms.