Measurement of microscopic plastic-strain distributions in the region of a crack tip

Two independent experimental techniques are used to measure the strain distribution within the plastically deformed region around a crack tip. Moiré grid interference is used to measure the in-plane strain with the specimen grid engraved directly on the specimen surface. Optical interference is used to measure the through-the-thickness strain over the same engraved area. The testing arrangement allows measurement of at-load strain as well as residual strain. The measured strain distribution is compared with recent work by Swedlow using a finite-element numerical technique and with results of the etch-pit technique used by Hahn and Rosenfield.