Dislocation Topological Evolution and Energy Analysis in Misfit Hardening of Spherical Precipitate by the Parametric Dislocation Dynamics Simulation

Interaction of a single dislocation line and a misfit spherical precipitate has been simulated by the Parametric Dislocation Dynamics (PDD) method in this research. The internal stress inside the precipitate is deduced from Eshelby’s inclusion theory, the stress of the dislocation line and outside the precipitate is calculated by Green’s function. The influence of different relative heights of the primary slip plane on dislocation evolution is investigated, while the cross-slip mechanism and annihilation reaction are considered. The simulation results show three kinds of dislocation topological evolution: loop-forming (Orowan loop or prismatic loop), helix-forming, and gradual unpinning. The dislocation nodal force and the velocity vectors are visualized to study dislocation motion tendency. According to the stress–strain curve and the energy curves associated with the dislocation motion, the pinning stress level is strongly influenced by the topological change of dislocation as well as the relative heights of the primary slip plane.