Theoretical plasticity of textured aggregates

Abstract The plasticity of metal polycrystals with preferred orientations is considered from a phenomenological standpoint. Some new general theorems are proved, in particular the existence of a work-equivalent function of the tensor strain-rate over any yield surface. The status of the classical theory of plastic anisotropy is re-appraised in the light of recent experiments, which are themselves critically reviewed. A new type of yield function is proposed to account for the so-called anomalous behaviour of some materials.