Plastic Deformation of Bicrystals Within Continuum Dislocation Theory

Within continuum dislocation theory the plastic deformation of bicrystals under plane strain constrained shear is considered. An analytical solution is found in the symmetric case (for twins) which exhibits the energetic and dissipative thresholds for dislocation nucleation, the Bauschinger translational work hardening, and the size effect. Similar features hold true also for the numerical solution in the general case.