Remarks on a theory of linear strain hardening

A critical analysis is made of a theory of linear strain hardening proposed by Hirsch (1963, 1964 a). Linear work-hardening results only if the radius of dislocation clusters, which form obstacles for further dislocation movement, decreases as o−1 with the applied stress σ. The reasons are discussed why such a decrease of cluster radius is not to be expected and it is shown that the resulting work-hardening is not linear but increases with increasing stress.