Characterization of strain hardening behavior and residual stress induction used for crack arrest in a biocompatible material

For centuries, the manipulation of mechanical properties for the development of components has been extremely important. Its relevance is based on improving the service life in the components. The aim of some techniques that have been used is to introduce strain hardening (tensile) and a beneficial residual stress field. Nevertheless, the application of both methods is very common when the component is manufactured, but the lack of knowledge of the final physical state of the material could compromise the structural integrity of the final product. This work presents a numerical evaluation concerning the characterization of a stainless steel AISI 316L, having a homogeneous axial history and a residual stress field. The relevance of the work is focused in a new methodology that can be used to improve the mechanical resistance of the component and to arrest crack propagation. By altering the mechanical properties of the material, it could be possible to delay nucleation and interrupt the propagation of cracks. This study also shows that if the strain hardening behaviour and the introduction of the residual stress field is not done properly, it could result in a component susceptible to fail. In the same sense, bending tests are proposed to provide tensile and compressive stress profiles.