Modeling of coupled deformation-induced twinning and dislocation slip using incremental energy minimization

The complex interplay between dislocations and deformation-induced twinning leads to a relatively poor formability of magnesium at room temperature. For understanding the complicated behavior of this metal, a novel model is presented. It is based on a variational principle. Within this principle based on energy minimization, dislocation slip is modeled by crystal plasticity theory, while the phase decomposition associated with twinning is considered by sequential laminates. The proposed model captures the transformation of the crystal lattice due to twinning in a continuous fashion by simultaneously taking dislocation slip within both, possibly co-existent, phases into account. (© 2011 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)