22. Finite Element Analysis of Thermodynamically Consistent Strain Gradient Plasticity Theory and Applications

In this chapter, a coupled thermomechanical gradient-enhanced continuum plasticity theory containing the flow rules of the grain interior and grain boundary areas is developed within the thermodynamically consistent framework. Two-dimensional finite element implementation for the proposed gradient plasticity theory is carried out to examine the micro-mechanical and thermal characteristics of small-scale metallic volumes. The proposed model is conceptually based on the dislocation interaction mechanisms and thermal activation energy. The thermodynamic conjugate microstresses are decomposed into dissipative and energetic components; correspondingly, the dissipative and energetic length scales for both the grain interior and grain boundary are incorporated in the proposed model, and an additional length scale related to the geometrically necessary dislocation-induced strengthening is also included. Not only the partial heat dissipation caused by the fast transient time but also the distribution of temperature caused by the transition from the plastic work to the heat is included into the coupled thermomechanical model by deriving a generalized heat equation. The derived constitutive framework and two-dimensional finite element model are validated through the comparison with the experimental observations conducted on microscale thin films. The proposed enhanced model is examined by solving the simple shear problem and the square plate problem to explore the thermomechanical characteristics of small-scale metallic materials. Finally, some significant conclusions are presented.