A Novel Approach for Determining the Bauschinger Effect in Dual-Phase Steel Sheets with Tensile-Compression Tests

Abstract:

In order to reliably predict a material’s behavior during the forming process, robust calculations with precisely calibrated material models are required. Especially when it comes to mapping phenomena depending on complex interactions of different effects, sophisticated measuring techniques have to be used in order to capture them sufficiently. Springback of sheet metal components is governed by elastic behavior, determined by geometry and current material properties. While well understood for most materials, dual-phase steels are exceptional due to their non-linear elasticity and pronounced kinematic hardening, which strongly affect elastic response. Kinematic hardening is characterized via the Bauschinger coefficient from tension–compression tests. As the Bauschinger effect depends on pre-strain and strain rate, precise crosshead control is essential. Therefore, state-of-the art characterization techniques control the process speed by calculating the crosshead velocity from the pre-set clamping length and strain rate. This method, however, does not account for setup-related influences such as machine stiffness or specimen slippage. Therefore, to improve the characterization accuracy of the Bauschinger effect, an alternative method for crosshead control during the tensile-compression test is introduced and analyzed in this study. To compare this innovative approach with the conventional one, both methods are used to capture the effect of relaxation on the Bauschinger effect with different dual-phase and mild steel. The mentioned novel method is based on the optical strain rate control during tensile tests by Naumann, using Digital Image Correlation with an Aramis setup by ZEISS. The intended pre-strain before load reversal is actively controlled by measuring the strain in situ. After characterizing the material cards for each setup, the resulting Chaboche-Rousselier curves are compared to the experimental ones. The results demonstrate that the applied method provides a reliable proof of concept and achieves precision comparable to, as well as exceeding, the conventional displacement strain rate control method.

• Periodical: Solid State Phenomena (Volume 390)
• Pages: 11-18
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.4028/p-4ggPVB
• Online since: April 2026
• Authors: Adam Häckel*, David Naumann, Marion Merklein
• Keywords: Bauschinger-Effect, Dual Phase Steel, Material Characterization, Strain Rate Control

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