Visualization of Strain Distribution on Deformed Steels Using Digital Image Correlation Method

Digital image correlation (DIC) method is a convenient strain analysis method calculating strain from the difference of images between before and after deformation and shows an advantage to apply to any deformation mode or materials as long as significant contrast. We reviewed basic principles of DIC method and then demonstrated strain distribution in tensile deformed ferritic steel and cyclic deformed tempered martensitic steel. Strain distribution in tensile deformed ferritic steel becomes inhomogeneous with lowering temperature due to restriction of slip systems at low temperature. Strain distribution around a fatigue crack in cyclic deformed tempered martensitic steel was visualized by DIC analysis for replica film and strain concentrated on crack tip same as previous report in DIC analysis for specimen surface, which suggests that strain distribution obtained from replica film has an enough reliability. From these results, it can be concluded that DIC analysis is effective method to investigate local deformation and relation between local deformation and fracture behavior in metal materials.