A generalized-secant homogenization scheme for viscoplastic polycrystalline solids under imposed deformations.

Homogenization estimates for viscoplastic polycrystals are derived by applying the generalized-secant linearization scheme of Liu and Ponte Castañeda (2004) [1] to the constitutive description with strain rates as primary variables. The resulting estimates are thus particularly suitable for simulating mechanical processes where deformations are imposed and where the material softens. Their accuracy is preliminarily assessed in the context of a model material system. Good agreement with previous estimates is found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]