Instability and localized deformation in polycrystalline solids under plane-strain tension

In this paper we investigate the nonuniform and localized deformation of a polycrystalline aggregate under plane-strain tension. A finite element analysis based on rate-dependent crystal plasticity has been developed to simulate large strain behaviour. Each material point in the specimen is considered to be a polycrystalline aggregate of a large number of FCC grains. The Taylor theory of crystal plasticity is assumed. This analysis accounts for initial textures, as well as texture evolution during large plastic deformations. The numerical analysis incorporates certain parallel computing features. Simulations have been carried out for a commercial aluminium sheet alloy (AA3004-H19), and the effects of various parameters on the formation and prediction of localized deformation (in the form of necking and/or shear bands) are examined.