Lattice strain evolution during uniaxial tensile loading of stainless steel

Applied and residual lattice strains were determined by neutron diffraction during a tensile test of a weakly textured austenitic stainless steel and were compared to the predictions of a self-consistent polycrystal deformati on model. Parallel to the tensile axis the model predictions are generally within the resolution of the diffraction measurements, but perpendicular to the tensile axis discrepancies are noted. Discrepancies between model and measurements were greater for the residual lattice strains than during load ing. It is postulated that this is because the model does not predict rever se plasticity during unload. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science S.A. All rights rese rved.