The competition between energy and noise in the patterning transition in deformation was explored by employing a 2-dimensional model of parallel straight edge dislocations. A generalized force for ordering was defined and it was shown that, at mechanical equilibrium, the ordering force was equal to the average back-stress noise on the slip plane.

Energetics and Noise in Dislocation Patterning. R.Thomson, M.Koslowski, R.LeSar: Materials Science and Engineering A, 2005, 400-401, 199-201