Understanding the interaction between various defects is crucial for predicting and optimizing the mechanical properties of advanced materials. Recently, multi–element alloys reinforced with
nanoscale precipitates have been reported to have potentials to overcome the inherent trade–off in strength and ductility, achieving both high strength and enhanced ductility. This is attributed to the intricate interactions between dislocations and nanoprecipitates, which could not only inhibit dislocation motion while simultaneously promoting plasticity, but also act as dislocation sources from the stress concentrations.
In this work, we employed a mesoscale defect dynamics model which has been recently developed by coupling Dislocation Dynamics (DD) with the Finite Element Method (FEM). Our
model could provide a unique opportunity to investigate the detailed behavior of dislocations as they interact with various defects such as grain boundaries, voids, cracks and precipitates under complex loading and environments. In addition, our integrated defect dynamics modeling approach could allow us to analyze microscopic deformation mechanism through dislocation interactions with nanoprecipitates and corresponding macroscopic mechanical responses. Specifically, we explore the effects of initial dislocation density, dislocation–precipitate interaction type and precipitate volume fraction on the mechanical response, focusing on macroscopic mechanical properties. The proposed model could provide valuable guidelines for designing these noble materials having enhanced strength and performance.