Plastic Strain Localization and Its Stages in Al-Mg Alloys

The paper describes an experimental technique based on the use of a Vic-3D contactless digital optical system and digital image correlation for research in the mechanical behavior of a solid and its plastic deformation with space-time inhomogeneities. Using this technique, we analyze the evolution of inhomogeneous strain and local strain rate fields in AMg2m alloy at constant uniaxial tension rates. The analysis reveals quasi-periodic strain field homogenization in jerky flow: alternating phases of active local plastic flow (shear banding) and macroscale strain levelling. Also analyzed are the parameters of localized microscale plastic flow such as the height and width of shear bands, their velocity, and coefficient of plastic strain inhomogeneity. From a series of mechanical tests, the influence of the specimen geometry and loading rate on these parameters is estimated.