3D characterisation of plastic strain localization in Ni based superalloy by X-ray nanotomography and X-ray diffraction imaging techniques

During early stages of deformation, many metals exhibit signs of plastic strain localization in the form of slip bands, which can be observed at the sample surface. These bands carry high shear amplitudes and give rise to highly heterogeneous stress-strain distributions which may ultimately lead to nucleation of material damage. We propose to carry out comprehensive 4D characterization of plastic strain localization in the bulk of Ni based superalloy using a combination of high resolution tomographic X-ray imaging techniques, including (holo)-nanotomography at ID16A and different variants of X-ray (Bragg) diffraction imaging at ID11. The sub-surface spatial arrangement and kinematics of slip band formation will be derived from (heavyside) Digital Volume Correlation, applied to the dispersion of (sub-micron) precipitates present in the microstructure. The combination with 3D crystal orientation and strain mapping techniques will allow for detailed analysis of strain localization in 4D.