Evolution of the mechanical state in a material during a slow tensile test

The mechanical state is defined by the residual stresses and the cold-work. The stress corrosion cracking behaviour can be influenced by this mechanical state. In this study, we show the important evolution of mechanical state with tensile loading. This evolution depends on the material behaviour and surface preparation method. Residual stress and cold-work are determined, after the tensile loading, by X-ray diffraction method. A numerical simulation is developed to predict the final state of stress and plastic deformation fields. (author). 4 refs., 4 figs