Coherence-Mediated Stress Accumulation and Plasticity in Crystalline Solids

Lampton, Brian Doyle

doi:10.5281/zenodo.18181341

Published January 7, 2026 | Version v1

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Coherence-Mediated Stress Accumulation and Plasticity in Crystalline Solids

Lampton, Brian Doyle

This paper develops a conservative theoretical framework showing how coherence-mediated phase-gradient stresses can accumulate and localize within crystalline and polycrystalline solids, modifying effective yield thresholds without violating momentum conservation or requiring macroscopic external forces. Building on prior work demonstrating transient axial phase-gradient impulses and persistent solitonic stress structures, the analysis shows how localized coherence stresses shift resolved shear conditions at defects, grain boundaries, and dislocation cores. The mechanism predicts reversible softening effects, strong material dependence, and distinct timescale signatures, while remaining fully compatible with standard elasticity, dislocation theory, and phase-field models. Testable predictions are identified to discriminate prompt electromagnetic, acoustic, and persistent coherence-mediated responses.

Abstract

Recent work has shown that rapid current transients generate an axial phase-gradient stress in a coherence field, producing measurable impulses distinct from Maxwellian forces. Subsequent analysis demonstrated that phase gradients can organize into stable solitons and topological defects, allowing stress to persist and propagate without continuous external drive. In this paper, we investigate how such coherence-mediated stress structures couple to crystalline and polycrystalline solids. We show that localized, persistent phase-gradient stresses can reduce effective yield thresholds, enhance plastic response, and produce reversible softening effects without requiring macroscopic forces or permanent lattice damage. The analysis remains conservative, grounded in standard elasticity theory, and introduces no violations of momentum conservation. Testable material- and timescale-dependent predictions are identified.

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