Within continuum dislocation theory the plastic deformation of bicrystals under plane strain constrained shear was considered. An analytical solution was found in the symmetric case (for twins) which exhibited the energetic and dissipative thresholds for dislocation nucleation, the Bauschinger translational work hardening, and the size effect. Similar features hold true also for the numerical solution in the general case.

Plastic Deformation of Bicrystals within Continuum Dislocation Theory. D.M.Kochmann, K.C.Le: Mathematics and Mechanics of Solids, 2009, 14[6], 540-63