Strain localization behaviour in experimental shear zones

A torsional deformation apparatus has been developed which allows the evolution of microstructures and flow patterns in analogue materials to be observed to shear strains in excess of γ=100 while the loading conditions are kept constant. Using a computer-based video microscopy system the displacement paths of marker particles have been followed in real time, and from these the local strain states in the samples have been calculated. A series of velocity stepping experiments in octachloropropane and norbornene determined the shear localization behaviour displayed by these materials. Both of these materials underwent two phases of localization, a primary localization at the start of an experiment, and a secondary localization following increases in the imposed strain rate. The secondary localization is less pronounced, but is reversible, in the sense that lowering the imposed strain rate widens the zone. An inverse relationship between the fixed imposed strain rate and the width of the zone of localized deformation was established. This velocity dependant localization is ascribed to the softening effect of dynamic recrystallization.