During the dislocation dynamics some line debris are formed. These debris contribute to strain hardening since they are obstacles to the forthcoming dislocations.

The formation of dislocation debris is usually due to local cross-slip events. For instance:

Annihilation of two (green) dislocations occurs by cross-slip (top right). One of the remaining lines, which is also pinned by forest dislocations (in the centre) is immobilized. Its free-length between obstacles is subcritical under the applied stress.

Formation of a small dipolar loop by double cross-slip (centre) of a mobile dislocation (cyan). The cross-slipped portions are shown in pink.

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