Statistical thermodynamics of dislocations in solids

This review is a simplified summary of the thermodynamic dislocation theory, with special emphasis on role an effective temperature. Materials scientists, for decades, have asserted that statistical thermodynamics not applicable to dislocations. By use simple, first-principles analyses and comparisons experimental data, I argue these scientists been wrong, this venerable field urgently needs be revitalized because its wide-ranging fundamental technological importance. In addition describing recent progress in understanding strain hardening, yielding, shear banding, like, theory can lead much needed, brittle ductile fracture crystalline solids.