Continuum modeling of dislocation microstructures under tribological loading

Abstract

Dislocation-mediated plastic deformation governs the mechanical response and microstructural evolution in tribological contacts, yet linking these effects across scales remains challenging. We present a dislocation-based crystal plasticity model that couples micro-scale dislocation dynamics with macro-scale plastic deformation under sliding conditions. By incorporating crystallographic effects on dislocation mobility and capturing subsurface dislocation transport and trace line formation, the model reveals intricate microstructural features that influence plastic deformation, surface topography, and contact area evolution. Unlike continuum-scale simulations, which lack the resolution to capture microstructural details, or discrete simulations, which fail to couple microstructure-driven plasticity with tribological contact, this model bridges these gaps. Leveraging an implicit macro–micro coupling mechanism, a flux vector splitting-based numerical scheme, and a penalty contact boundary condition, this work provides a foundation for predictive modeling capturing dislocation-driven deformation under tribological contact.