Point defect generation, nano-void formation and growth. II. Criterion for ductile failure

Using the derived relation for point defect generation according to a new constitutive relation, the notion of nano-void formation at grown-in nano-particles is examined and its consequences deduced as the nano-voids grow in size with continued deformation. Assuming that void growth is due only to point defect accumulation, the analysis of fracture strains in tension of natural-aged AA6111 suggests that coalescence by micro-plastic activity occurs when the void diameter becomes about one third of the evolving inter-void spacing. Hence, the derived limit strain to incipient void-coalescence is inversely proportional to the square root of point defect generation as determined from the stress-strain data. Using this criterion, failure prediction maps can be constructed for strain modes of plane-strain and balanced bi-axial to result in the outer bounds of the forming limit diagram. Trial examinations with AA5754 and AA3003 show great promise.