A Comparison of Statistically Equivalent and Realistic Microstructural Representative Volume Elements for Crystal Plasticity Models

Abstract Two methods used to construct a microstructural representative volume element (RVE) were evaluated for their accuracy when in crystal plasticity-based finite (CP-FE) model. The RVE-based CP-FE model has been shown accurately predict the complete tensile stress–strain response of Ti–6Al–4V alloy manufactured by laser powder bed fusion. Each method utilized different image-based technique create three-dimensional (3D) RVE from electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) images. first method, referred as realistic (R-RVE), reconstructed physical 3D microstructure series parallel EBSD images obtained using serial-sectioning (or slicing). second captures key information three orthogonal statistically equivalent (SERVE). Based on R-RVEs and SERVEs, was then alloy, including post-necking damage progression. predicted responses SERVEs assessed, effects each descriptor. results show that R-RVE SERVE offer comparable purposes this study.