Multi-scale Discrete Dislocation Plasticity Analysis: Application to Nano-indentation

To closely analyze the dislocation structure evolution during nano-indentation, a multi-scale discrete dislocation plasticity code is modified to include nano-indentation loading. This code couples two length scales, discrete dislocation dynamics and continuum finite element analysis and has been successfully applied to analyze various problems in mechanics and materials science. Description of the multi-scale code is presented; followed by the methodology to implement nano-indentation loading in the model. The numerical accuracy of the new model is investigated and shown to be excellent for small contact area between indenter tip and the specimen. Representative results are shown for dislocation structure evolution during nano-indentation.