Characterization of residual stresses generated during inhomogeneous plastic deformation

Residual stresses generated by macroscopic inhomogeneous plastic deformation are predicted by an explicit finite element (FE) technique. The numerical predictions are evaluated by characterizing the residual elastic strains by neutron diffraction using two different (hkl ) reflections. Intergranular residual elastic strains between subsets of grains are predicted numerically and verified by neutron diffraction. Subsequently, the measured residual strain profiles in the test samples are modified by the intergranular strains and compared to the engineering predictions of the FE technique. Results compare well and verify the capability of the numerical technique as well as the possibilities of experimental validation using neutron diffraction. The presented experimental and numerical approach will subsequently be utilized for the evaluation of more complicated plastic deformation processes resembling forming operations.