Experimental determination of flow potential surfaces supporting a multiaxial formulation of viscoplasticity

Details of the experimental procedure followed in a preliminary set of experiments conducted on the representative alloy type 316 stainless steel are given. Although primary interest is in the determination of initial and subsequent surfaces of constant inelastic strain rate (SCISR) at high homologous temperatures (e.g., approx. 0.5). The preliminary tests were conducted at lower temperatures (approx. 0.2) largely because of experimental convenience. Nevertheless, significant time-dependent response at the lower temperature allowed SCISR measurements to be carried out and an evaluation of the experimental technique made. Results of the preliminary tests are presented showing three of a family of initial SCISR's, including strain rate vectors for assessing the condition of normality. Conclusions are drawn concerning the feasibility of the experimental technique, the nature of the measured SCISR's and an assesssment of the normality condition. Finally, a discussion is given of future research.