Numerical and experimental analysis in the manipulation of the mechanical properties for enhancing the mechanical resistance of a material

The evolution and development of mankind has been partly possible thanks to the transformation of diverse types of materials and the manipulation of their mechanical properties. This work is focused on numerical and experimental evaluations of the improvement of the mechanical resistance of one material (AISI 316L) through the application of strain hardening and a residual stress field induction. Additionally, the state of the stresses in the component is determined by the application of the Crack Compliance Method, a destructive method based on the Fracture Mechanics Theory. The relevance of the work lies on the implementation of a new methodology which can be used to improve the mechanical resistance of the component by altering the state of the mechanical properties of this material. This research also demonstrates that strain hardening and induction of a residual stress field must be performed carefully or it could result in a component susceptible to failure. In this respect, bending tests are proposed to provide tensile and compressive stress profiles and to corroborate previous history loading on the material.