Propagation of deformation bands investigated by laser scanning extensometry

Abstract Luders band and Portevin–LeChatelier (PLC) band propagation in polycrystalline Cu–0.15at.%Al has been studied by multiple zone laser scanning extensometry during tensile deformation. The dependence of the propagation rate on the external deformation rate is investigated in a wide range ( e =6.67×10 −6 –1.3×10 −2 s −1 ) at selected temperatures (100–300 °C), in particular for the PLC bands of type B which propagate in a jerky manner. The local strain rates within the bands are determined and the results are compared with recent theoretical modelling of PLC band propagation.