Crystal plasticity finite element simulation of NiTi shape memory alloy under canning compression based on constitutive model containing dislocation density

Crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulation is employed for revealing plastic deformation mechanism of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) under canning compression at 400 degrees C, where only B2 austenite phase exists and it presents plastic deformation by dislocation slip without stress-induced martensite phase transformation and deformation twinning. Statistically stored dislocation (SSD) and geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) densities are incorporated into crystal plasticity constitutive model for strain gradient. Texture evolution, stress and strain fields, SSD and GND densities are obtained on the basis of CPFE simulation. With progression of plastic deformation, gamma-fiber (<111>) texture is gradually strengthened, which is further validated by the experimental data. Heterogeneous plastic deformation of NiTi polycrystalline cylinder model subjected to canning compression is illustrated by distribution of stress and strain based on all the slip systems, where stress concentration mainly emerges near the grain boundaries and large strain appears in the core location of NiTi polycrystalline cylinder. SSD density and GND density exhibit a heterogeneous distribution in the similar manner. Both SSDs and GNDs aggregate near the grain boundaries. SSD density increases with increasing plastic strain, whereas GND density decreases with increasing plastic strain. In addition, the total dislocation density increases with the increase of plastic strain. The developed CPFE model is an effective tool for simulating plastic deformation of NiTi SMA in the appropriate temperature range where dislocation slip is responsible for plastic deformation and work hardening is dominant during plastic deformation.

Automated summary

Crystal plasticity finite element (CPFE) simulation is employed to investigate the plastic deformation mechanism of NiTi shape memory alloy (SMA) under canning compression at 400 degrees C, showing that plastic deformation is dominated by dislocation slip without stress-induced martensite phase transformation and deformation twinning. The CPFE model provides valuable insights into the texture evolution, stress and strain fields, as well as SSD and GND densities during the plastic deformation process of NiTi SMA.