Optimal Arrangements and Local Anisotropy of {100} Guinier–Preston (GP) Zones by Parametric Dislocation Dynamics (PDD) Simulations

Abstract

Stress-oriented precipitation and the resulting mechanical anisotropy have been widely studied over the decades. However, the local anisotropy of precipitates with specific orientations has been less thoroughly investigated. This study models the interaction between an edge dislocation source and {100} variants of Guinier–Preston (GP) zones in Al-Cu alloys using the parametric dislocation dynamics (PDD) method. Concentric geometrically necessary dislocation (GND) loops were employed to construct a line integral model for thin platelets. The simulations, conducted with our self-developed code based on Green’s function method and Eshelby inclusion theory revealed distinct strengthening behavior along the strong and weak directions for 60° GP zones, demonstrating anisotropic strengthening from the perspective of elastic interactions. Furthermore, the optimal inclined arrangement of the GP zone array was determined through elastic energy calculations, and these results were corroborated by TEM observations.

Keywords

• dislocations
• dynamics
• microstructures