Finite element simulation of surface deformation of polycrystal with a rough surface under repeated load

The crystal plasticity was implemented into finite element (FE) analysis to study the surface deformation on the rough surface of polycrystal under fatigue loading. The cosine profile was employed to simulate the fractal behavior on the surface of materials. Different levels of surface roughness as well as applied repeated loads were considered to explore the evolution of surface deformation. The FE results show that the initial surface roughness is reduced by the plastic deformation of the polycrystal. However, the surface roughness causes stress localization at the concave of the rough surface, where micro-cracks will preferentially form. The surface deformation linearly increases with the increasing loading cycles. The surface deformation rate exhibits an exponential dependence on the applied load.

► The crystal plasticity was implemented into finite element analysis. ► The surface deformation of polycrystal was investigated. ► The effect of surface roughness on surface stress and deformation was studied. ► The evolution law of surface deformation was explored.