Theory 42/Plasticity vs Canalisation/Materials
Ductile Metals Soften Before They Break
The claim
Work hardening trades against ductility, so the strength gained by plastic deformation is bought with the remaining capacity to deform.
01Mechanism
Dislocation density rises with strain, which raises strength and consumes the mobile dislocations that allow further deformation.
02Prediction
Ductility should fall as strength rises.
03Refutation
Both rising together would remove the trade-off.