Axial and Diametral Cyclic Stress—Strain Response in Plain and Circumferentially Notched Cylindrical Bars at 550 °C

Cyclic stress-strain tests were undertaken at 550 °C on plain specimens and notched specimens of different notch acuities in several low- and high-alloy ferritic steels (1Cr-Mo-V, NF616, TB12M, and HCM12A). Integrated axial strains were measured between the minimum sections of the notches using a longitudinal extensometer, while surface hoop strains were measured by means of a diametral extensometer with probes located across the notch root. The same extensometry was employed in plain specimens. Over a period of 100 cycles, softening occurred in all plain specimens. These effects were also demonstrated in notched specimens in both axial and diametral directions, although to a lesser degree. From hysteresis loops determined in the notch tests, the cyclic deformation response of the notched regions was expressed in terms of an ‘equivalent gauge length’. Deviations from elastic-plastic behaviour in plain specimens were noted in that the commonly used ‘effective Poisson's ratiO' was greater than calculated. The effect was investigated further by exploring the characteristics of a very shallow notch, induced by straining a plain specimen to the onset of necking and beyond. The implications of observed behaviour in strain-control low-cycle fatigue tests is discussed.