Splitting of dissolving precipitates during plastic shear: A phase field study

Using a phase field model, we have investigated the role of plasticity on the morphological evolution of a precipitate during its diffusion-controlled dissolution, when submitted to shear loading. It is shown that the plastic strain pattern in the matrix strongly influences the local dissolution rate and consequently the final shape of the precipitate. Finally, it is demonstrated that for sufficiently fast and intense shear loadings, plasticity can induce splitting of the precipitate: this process could explain why small precipitates are observed in shear bands in Ti alloys forged parts.