Instability of plastic flow in the directions of pure shear: II. Experimental

Abstract

Two aspects of the phenomenon of plastic instability in direction of pure shear are examined, namely that the condition dσ = 0 (maximum in true flow stress) is necessary for localization of flow along characteristics as defined in continuum plasticity, and that fracture is initiated and propagates along characteristics. Two types of sheet specimens were employed, the standard-type flat sheet specimens, and specimens simulating both plane stress and plane strain. Grids were placed on gage sections and photographs were taken successively in the plastic range to enable strains to be calculated and instabilities to be observed and recorded. The principal variable in the flat specimen test was theW/T ratio (width to thickness). In the plane* strain specimens, both the gage length (constantW/T) and the strength level of the material (quenched and tempered AISI 4340 steel) were varied. A maximum in true flow stress is found consistently at the onset of instabilities. Fracture propagated consistently along the instability band-matrix interface. Variations in specimen geometry produces significant changes in stress state, directions of characteristics, and ductility. For a given specimen geometry, plane strain is more closely approached the higher the strength level of the material. In mixed mode fracture paths slant fracture is associated with the more embrittling stress state.