Plastic Microinhomogeneity
Plastic microinhomogeneity is the uneven distribution of plastic deformation on the grain or phase level, caused by different orientations and slip system activities. It leads to residual stresses of the second kind.
Physical-Chemical Mechanism of Action
Plastic micro-inhomogeneity arises from unequal plastic deformation of grains or phases in a material. This happens when different parts of the material have different orientations or when different slip systems are active. Deformation does not occur uniformly across all areas of the material.
Metallurgical Relevance & Risks in Welding
This micro-inhomogeneity can lead to residual stresses of the second kind, which in turn can cause cracks and fracture points in the material. In welded joints, this can occur particularly when the material is not deformed uniformly or when it contains different phases.
Workshop Practice & Action Guidelines
To minimize plastic micro-inhomogeneity, it is important that the material is deformed uniformly and that welding parameters such as temperature and stress are precisely maintained. For complex materials or welded joints with different phases, careful selection of the welding process and parameters should be made to reduce micro-inhomogeneity.