Parametric dislocation dynamics of anisotropic crystals

Efficient computational methods for the elastic field, self force and interaction forces of three-dimensional (3D) dislocations in anisotropic elastic crystals are developed for 3D dislocation dynamics (DD). The elastic field of a general dislocation loop is determined by incorporating numerically evaluated derivatives of Green's functions in the fast sum method of Ghoniem and Sun. Self-forces of dislocation loops are calculated by numerical integrations performed on the dislocation line, and several approximation methods to the full integration are also explored. Strong effects of elastic anisotropy on many ingredients of DD are shown (e.g. the elastic field, self-forces, operation of Frank–Read sources, dipole formation and break-up and dislocation junction strength). Large-scale 3D DD simulations are carried out for copper single crystals. It is found that the dislocation microstructure and strain-hardening behaviour are also strong functions of elastic anisotropy.