A method was described for incorporating dislocation climb into a discrete 3-dimensional model of dislocation dynamics. Each dislocation line was assumed to consist of a sequence of interconnected piecewise-straight segments which were embedded in an homogeneous linear elastic medium. The dynamics were described by solving Newton's equations of motion for each portion of the dislocation. Non-conservative dislocation motion was introduced by considering an osmotic force that arose from the emission or adsorption of point defects at climbing segments. The osmotic force on each segment depended upon the local point defect concentration. The mechanical structure evolution law had to be complemented by an equation which described the evolution of the chemical structure. Suitable formulations were derived by using the continuity equation, and Fick's first law.

On the Consideration of Climb in Discrete Dislocation Dynamics D.Raabe: Philosophical Magazine A, 1998, 77[3], 751-9