The Analysis of Local Plasticity during Macro-indentation of the Nickel-based Alloy 600 Used in CANDU Steam Generator Tubing

Abstract

Nano-indents were performed on the cross-sectional plane of the macro-indent made in Inconel-600 alloy to investigate the plastic flow behavior of material in plastic zone around it. Average hardness values were calculated in three directions i.e. vertical, horizontal and diagonal. Both, calculated average hardness and von-mises equivalent plastic strain (obtained from FEM modeling) decrease with increasing distance. Yield stress and von-mises equivalent plastic strain in three directions coincide with the flow curve of the material implying that this type of testing technique can be used to extract the material plastic flow curve as obtained from a conventional mechanical testing method.