Deformation of thin metal and composite sheets by using anti-buckling fixture for large deformation under tension–compression cyclic loading.

In this paper, an anti-buckling fixture was proposed to assess the deformation characteristics of DP500 and DP980 dual-phase steels, and AZ31B magnesium composite under tension–compression cyclic loading. The advantage of the device lies in the possibility of monitoring friction between the specimen and supporting blocks during the test. In consequence, it allows to avoid an error during stress determination. The full cyclic loading capacity for each material can be executed at the displacement amplitude within the range ± 2.5 mm which corresponds to the maximum strain amplitude of ± 0.2 for the specimen with the gauge length of 21.5 mm. It is concluded, that the technique proposed is promising since the thin sheet material can be tested under tension–compression in a wide range of deformation without the buckling effect. Furthermore, useful data for modelling cyclic deformation behaviour for shell structures can be obtained. [Display omitted] • Proposed fixture enables to avoid buckling during thin metal sheet compression. • The friction force is continuously registered during the test. • Complex characteristics could be successfully and precisely determined. • Useful data for modelling cyclic deformation can be obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]