The mechanical response of compositionally graded materials

The development of compositionally graded material allows the development of materials in which the ratio of the kinematic and isotropic work hardening rate or the mode of deformation can be varied spatially in the material. Examples of producing such compositionally graded materials by partial decarburization in both Fe–C and Fe–Mn–C are discussed. The mechanical response of compositionally graded materials may be of value in controlling spring back in sheet forming and in the control of strain localization, damage, and fracture processes.