The Frank–Read source is a dislocation multiplication mechanism that explains how a single dislocation can generate additional dislocations under shear stress. This mechanism plays a crucial role in explaining the work hardening and plastic deformation of crystalline materials.
When stress is applied, a segment of a dislocation line pinned at both ends can bow out and loop around, producing additional dislocations in the process. These dislocation loops continue to expand and generate more dislocations, thereby contributing to plastic deformation.
This process does not hinder motion or contribute to polygonization or climb — it primarily generates dislocations.