Rate-independent plasticity and statistically stored dislocations

We present here a continuum model for the evolution of the total dislocation density in the framework of rate-independent plasticity. Three basic physical features are taken into account: (i) the role of dislocation densities on hardening; (ii) the relations between the slip velocity and the mobility of gliding dislocations; (iii) the energetics of self and mutual interactions between dislocations. We restrict attention to plastic processes corresponding to single slip. Numerical simulations showing the formation of bands are also presented.