Stress-Strain Response Determination during Incremental Step Tests and Variable Loadings on Flat Specimens

Abstract

For stress-strain response simulations and damage prediction of cyclically loaded mechanical components, it is crucial to determine both the stress-strain and durability curves of the materials sued. Round and flat specimens can be used for this purpose, either following standard recommendations for their geometry or by designing a special geometry which enables special requirements, such as initial cracks of various shapes, attachment of an extensometer, special grips for raised temperatures, and so on. However, especially in the case of flat specimens having a slender shape, buckling can occur before the stress or strain values reach a sufficient magnitude in compression. To avoid this, an anti-buckling support can be attached to the specimen, which prevents the occurrence of buckling. In turn, friction occurs between the specimen and the anti-buckling support, which affects the measurement of the stress. If a special sensor is attached under the anti-buckling support, the friction force can be measured and subtracted from the stress signal, leaving only the stress-strain response of the material under investigation. In this study, two materials were investigated during incremental step and variable loading tests: The aluminium alloy AlMgSi0.5 and a biodegradable polylactide.

Keywords

• cyclic stress-strain response
• aluminium alloy AlMgSi0.5
• Biodegradable polylactide
• anti-buckling support
• friction