An edge dislocation interacting with an elastic thin-layered semi-infinite matrix

The model of an edge dislocation inside a elastic thin layered semi-infinite matrix is utilized to study the interaction between an edge dislocation and the elastic thin layered semi-infinite matrix. The analytic solutions of complex functions of an edge dislocation in the matrix and in the thin layer are obtained by applying a complex potential approach in conjunction with the techniques of the image method. With the aid of the obtained stress fields and the Peach–Koehler formula, the explicit expressions for the glide and climb forces acting on the edge dislocation are obtained. The results indicate that, the material elastic dissimilarity, the thickness of thin layer and the position of the dislocation have a significant influence on the glide and climb forces acting on the dislocation. The glide and climb forces will increase with the decrease in thickness of thin layer when an edge dislocation is in the matrix or in the layer. In addition, they will increase with a decrease in the shear modulus ratio of the layer to the matrix, when the matrix is softer than the layer and an edge dislocation is in the matrix or in the layer.