A novel and simple cruciform specimen without slits on legs yet higher plastic strains in gauge

Abstract

The aim of this study is to obtain higher plastic strains in the central gauge zone of the cruciform specimen under biaxial loading without compromising the simplicity of the specimen geometry and its manufacturing. The proposed novel geometry can be produced easily by a single machining operation performed on a cruciform geometry without requiring slits or any other operation on legs. Geometry of the specimen is determined through finite element analysis. It is observed that there are three characteristic regions with continuous transition in between, in the gauge of the specimen where material deforms under biaxial, plane-strain and uniaxial tensile conditions at the same time. Achieved biaxial strains are recorded to be as high as ever reported in the literature. Success of the geometry is demonstrated through experiments. (C) 2017 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.