Modelling the Portevin-Le Chatelier effects in aluminium alloys: a review

Abstract Plastic deformation processes are among the most demanding processes in manufacturing because they lead to different microstructure features in the materials produced. Various dislocation patterns can be induced by plastic strain under different conditions. A serrated yielding/jerky flow in some dilute alloys, such as aluminium-magnesium alloys during plastic deformation, is a well-known phenomenon under certain regimes of strain rate and temperature, as reported in a significant number of works. The serrated features in these materials reflect the so-called Portevin-Le Chatelier effects. These undesirable effects are due to the interaction between solute atoms and mobile dislocation during the plastic deformation, which is known as dynamic strain ageing. There are a significant number of theoretical and numerical investigations that have focused on describing the serrated behaviours of these materials during plastic deformation. Hence, the fundamental objective of this paper is to provide a general review of different constitutive modelling in regards this feature. The typical material models and new constitutive models describing this feature are presented. In addition, applications of the models are provided along with their respective advantages and disadvantages.