Lattice strain evolution during uniaxial tensile loading of stainless steel

Applied and residual lattice strains were determined by neutron diffraction during a tensile test of a weakly textured austenitic stainless steel and were compared to the predictions of a self-consistent polycrystal deformation model. Parallel to the tensile axis the model predictions are generally within the resolution of the diffraction measurements, but perpendicular to the tensile axis discrepancies are noted. Discrepancies between model and measurements were greater for the residual lattice strains than during loading. It is postulated that this is because the model does not predict reverse plasticity during unload.