A constitutive model of nanocrystalline metals based on competing grain boundary and grain interior deformation mechanisms

In this work, a viscoplastic constitutive model for nanocrystalline metals is presented. The model is based on competing grain boundary and grain interior deformation mechanisms. In particular, inelastic deformations caused by grain boundary diffusion, grain boundary sliding and dislocation activities are considered. Effects of pressure on the grain boundary diffusion and sliding mechanisms are taken into account. Furthermore, the influence of grain size distribution on macroscopic response is studied. The model is shown to capture the fundamental mechanical characteristics of nanocrystalline metals. These include grain size dependence of the strength, i.e., both the traditional and the inverse Hall–Petch effects, the tension–compression asymmetry and the enhanced rate sensitivity.

► Competing grain boundary and grain interior deformation mechanisms are studied.
► Grain size distribution effects are investigated.
► The traditional and the inverse Hall–Petch effects are captured by the model.
► Model exhibits tension–compression asymmetry.
► Enhanced rate sensitivity with grain refinement is demonstrated.