Detection of plastic deformation patterns in a binary aluminum alloy

A whole-field, in-plane strain-mapping technique is evaluated for in situ monitoring of plastic deformation patterns in aluminum sheet metals. This technique is built on the recent developments in digital image correlation and improved data reduction procedures. The sensitivity and accuracy of the measured local strain variations are critically examined in terms of random and systematic experimental errors, free-surface roughening due to large plastic deformation and microscopic surface grain deformation. Tensile specimens made from an annealed Al-Mg alloy sheet metal are subjected to a large plastic and macroscopically uniform deformation, and no visible deformation patterns can be identified by direct surface observation. Using an incremental strain-mapping approach, the existence of nonstationary deformation bands in the annealed Al-Mg alloy is uncovered. The developed technique can be used to study the formation and evolution of plastic deformation patterns and their effect on tensile ductility, formability and surface finish of sheet metals.