Digital Image Correlation Study of Plastic Deformation and Fracture in Fully Martensitic Steels

Plastic deformation and fracture of two grades of fully martensitic steel are investigated with a miniature tensile stage, a custom image acquisition algorithm and digital image correlation. The image acquisition algorithm controls the camera framing rate according to user defined load, displacement and timing thresholds. This provides a greater number of images captured during periods of rapid load change over small displacements. True stress–true strain curves reveal substantial differences in material ductility and failure behavior. Fracture surfaces are examined using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy to provide insight into differences in the tensile behaviors observed for these steels.