Deformation instability and fracture at liquid-helium temperature

The instability of plastic deformation during the extension and compression of aluminum and during the extension of titanium and stainless steel is studied, and the temperature-rate region for the existence of deformation instability is determined. The form of the jumps in the flow stresses and their relationship to the macroscopic localization of strain and to fracture of the sample are also investigated. The role of the localization of microstrain and of fracture in the macroscopic manifestations of strain inhomogeneity is discussed. Fiz. Tverd. Tela (St. Petersburg) 39, 647–651 (April 1997)