DIFFUSION IN DISLOCATION FIELDS.

The mechanical interaction effects between a diffusing elastic fluid and a dislocation stress field are studied. Screw and rotational dislocations for both linear and nonlinear elastic behavior are considered. The importance of the problem lies in the fact that the strength of the solid changes as a result of the interaction energy developed during a diffusion process. That is, the mobility of the dislocations decreases and time-dependent plastic flow characteristics account for increased strength. The analysis is based on the introduction of an internal diffusive force vector which accounts for the diffusion phenomena. A model is proposed for the form of this vector which accounts for the diffusion phenomena. A model is proposed for the form of this diffusive force to meet the physical requirements. The approach is completely innovational in comparison with the traditional procedure applied to these problems, which is based on the concept of the elastic interaction energy. Previous results are recovered and generalized within the range of applicability of the proposed theory.