Inelastic Deformation Under Nonisothermal Loading

The objective of this paper is to evaluate, both experimentally and analytically, the appropriate forms of the hardening evolution equations in unified constitutive models for conditions involving nonisothermal loading. Critical experiments were performed for a cast nickel-base superalloy by using variable temperature tensile, creep, and cyclic tests in the 538°C–982°C temperature range. These experimental results were compared with both isothermal data and predictions of the Bodner-Partom elastic-viscoplastic theory to assess the effects of thermal history on constitutive behavior. The results indicate that the hardening evolution equations based on isothermal data are applicable for nonisothermal loading of these precipitation strengthened alloys. Additional thermal history effect terms in the hardening evolution equations were not required beyond those accounting for the variation of material constants with temperature. Using material constants determined solely from isothermal data, the inelastic deformation behavior of B1900 + Hf subject to thermomechanical loading were adequately predicted by the Bodner-Partom model.