A more comprehensive method for yield locus construction for metallic alloys and composites

Conventional methods for constructing yield loci rely on the assumption that nonlinear strains are permanent strains, which is not always the case. A nickel-base alloy, SiC fiber-reinforced titanium, an aluminum alloy, and particle-reinforced aluminum have been observed to violate this assumption. We present a method for constructing yield loci using a proof strain criterion for the permanent strain that relies on cyclic, proportional, probes of the yield surface. Two criteria are implemented: one for stress reversal and one for yielding. The method is demonstrated by the construction of initial and subsequent yield loci in the axial-shear stress plane using thin-walled tubular specimens. Results are presented for 6061-T6 aluminum as well as for 6092/SiC/17.5p-T6, which is 6092 aluminum reinforced with 17.5 volume percent silicon carbide particulate. The centers of the initial yield loci for the composite are eccentric to the origin of the stress plane most likely because of the residual stresses induced during processing. Material hardening due to multiaxial stress states can be described by tracking evolution of the subsequent yield surfaces and here hardening of the particulate composite was primarily kinematic.