Plasticity in the 21st Century

The 20th century has produced the theory of continuum plasticity as a powerful tool for engineering analysis. However it breaks down at length scales on the order of micrometers, i.e. the projected realm of miniature engineering in the 21st century. Discrete dislocation plasticity is presented as a means of describing plastic deformation at such size scales. It bridges the gap between atomistics of a single dislocation and continuum plasticity. A few examples are discussed to demonstrate that discrete dislocation plasticity is capable of capturing some typical features of plastic deformation at these size scales, such as size effects.