Discrete dislocation dynamics: an important recent break-through in the modelling of dislocation collective behaviour

Recent results obtained by 3D discrete Dislocation Dynamics (DD) simulations are reviewed. Firstly, in the case of fatigued AISI 316L stainless steel, it is shown how DD simulations can both explain the formation of persistent slip bands and give a criterion for crack initiation. The same study is performed in the case of precipitate hardened metals where the precipitate size plays a crucial role. Secondly, we show how molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can feed the DD simulations for two applications. The first concerns the modelling of BCC Fe for which the dislocation mobility is derived from MD simulations. The second considers the modelling of irradiated stainless steels (FCC), where MD is used to define the local rules of interactions between dislocations and Frank loops. To cite this article: M.C. Fivel, C. R. Physique 9 (2008).