Small punch evaluation of mechanical properties for 310S stainless steel considering pre-strain effect

Strain strengthening technology is widely used in practical engineering to increase the allowable stress of materials in pressure vessel manufacturing. Small punch analysis was performed using less material in this study to analyse the influence of pre-strain on the mechanical properties of 310S stainless steel. The results indicated that the material yield strength and ultimate tensile strength increased with pre-strain deformation. Similarly, the small punch characteristic parameters increased owing to the influence of the pre-strain, proving that the small punch test could estimate the evolution of mechanical properties along with pre-strain deformation. Small punch characteristic parameters at different deformation stages were analysed. In addition to the maximum load, small punch parameters at the inflection point were used in the ultimate tensile strength estimation. The small punch deformation features and stress distribution were discussed based on numerical simulations. Finally, an ultimate tensile strength estimation method based on membrane stretching model was proposed. Additionally, the strain hardening parameters considering the effect of pre-strain deformation were discussed. •Mechanical properties considering pre-strain effect were analysed by small punch test.•Small punch parameters and stress distribution at the inflection point were analysed.•An ultimate tensile strength evaluation method based on small punch test was proposed.