Crystal plasticity modeling of orientation evolution within shear bands: Validation using grain-oriented silicon steel

To describe orientation evolution inside shear bands during the cold rolling of metallic materials, a unified crystal-plasticity framework is developed that bridges uniform matrix deformation (UDM) and localized shear deformation in the band (SDB). The framework transfers both the matrix orientation and hardening state to the shear band as the specific initial state for SDB. The formation of intra-band Goss accuracy in grain-oriented silicon steel is selected as a validation case to assess the model's predictive capability. To simplify the description, the deviation angle between the orientation along the path and the ε -fiber (90°, Φ , 45°) is adopted as the quantitative metric of this process. Quasi-in-situ EBSD validation demonstrates a significant enhancement in the prediction precision of intra-band orientation evolution, surpassing conventional models initializing SDB solely based on matrix orientation. Slip-geometry analysis reveals that the inherited hardening state homogenizes slip-system strengths, thereby stabilizing the evolution path when strength heterogeneity dominates. Simulations further highlight that the intra-band Goss orientation accuracy improves as the initial Goss approaches the ε -fiber. Notably, initial Goss located on the φ 1 = 90° ODF section generally yield superior intra-band Goss compared to those on the φ 2 = 45° section. Finally, the generalization capability of the established framework is highlighted.