Effect of post processing of digital image correlation on obtaining accurate true stress-strain data for AISI 304L

The aim of this study is to provide a clear and accessible method to obtain accurate true-stress strain data, and to extend the limited material data beyond the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) for AISI 304L. AISI 304L is used for the outer construction for some types of nuclear transport packages, due to its post-yield ductility and high failure strain. Material data for AISI 304L beyond UTS is limited throughout literature. 3D digital image correlation (DIC) was used during a series of uniaxial tensile experiments. Direct method extracted data such as true strain and instantaneous cross-sectional area throughout testing such that the true stress-strain response of the material up to failure could be created. Post processing of the DIC data has a considerable effect on the accuracy of the true stress-strain data produced. Influence of subset size and smoothing of data was investigated by using finite element analysis to inverse model the force displacement response in order to determine the true stress strain curve. The FE force displacement response was iteratively adapted, using subset size and smoothing of the DIC data. Results were validated by matching the force displacement response for the FE model and the experimental force displacement curve.