A computational mechanical constitutive modeling method based on thermally-activated microstructural evolution and strengthening mechanisms

Abstract

A mechanical constitutive relationship is the basis for the design and application of structural materials, and the establishment of a mechanical constitutive relationship generally relies on experimental data. Herein a computational mechanical constitutive modeling method is proposed, in which all required parameters possess unambiguous physical interpretations and/or can be obtained from accurate numerical simulations. With the inclusion of interaction between dislocations and crystal defects, the dislocation density and grain size evolution with strain for polycrystalline metallic materials are mathematically modeled, and the corresponding contribution to strength is analyzed, further a computational mechanical constitutive relationship can be obtained. Its effectiveness is verified by comparing it with experimental stress-strain relationships for Cu, Al-Mg, and Cu-W alloys. This method might be a powerful tool for the design of structural materials with desirable mechanical properties.