The interaction between a screw dislocation and a circular inhomogeneity in gradient elasticity

Abstract

The interaction between a screw dislocation and a circular inhomogeneity in gradient elasticity is investigated. The screw dislocation is located inside either the inhomogeneity or the matrix. By using the Fourier transform method, closed analytical solutions are obtained when the inhomogeneity and the matrix have the same gradient coefficient. The explicit expressions of image forces exerted on screw dislocations are derived. The motion of the appointed screw dislocation and its equilibrium positions are discussed. The results show that the classical singularity is eliminated. Especially, for the case of a tiny inhomogeneity, the relation of dislocations and inhomogeneities become quite different. The screw dislocation may be attracted by the stiff inhomogeneity and repelled by the soft inhomogeneity when it tends to the interface. So there is an unstable equilibrium position when a dislocation tends to a tiny stiff inhomogeneity and there is a stable equilibrium position when a dislocation tends to a tiny soft inhomogeneity.