Numerical modeling of kinetic regularities of yield plateau and linear work hardening stages during tension of mild steel samples

Abstract

In this paper, an analysis of the linear work hardening stage of plastic flow of low-carbon steel is carried out numerically. Unlike the yield plateau stage of plastic flow, much less attention is given to late stages of plastic flow, e.g. linear work hardening or parabolic work hardening. Late stages of plastic flow are interesting from the point of revealing the underlying mechanisms of fracture site formation. The non-uniform distribution of plastic strain is analyzed in both yield plateau and linear work hardening stages. Plastic strain localization features on the linear hardening stage are discussed based on the kinetic diagrams. A microstructure-based finite-difference analysis is employed. It is shown that maximums of plastic strain distribution stop their motion once the linear hardening stage is entered.