Bauschinger effect represents loss of isotropic behavior in strength-strain behavior

produced due to deformation produced in metallic materials. When steel is loaded in

tension, it starts deforming first elastically but later plastically. Plastic deformation
occurs due to dislocation movement. However, dislocation entangles during movement
which requires more stress for the further movement. This is known as work hardening.

When the direction of stress is reversed, say from tensile to compressive, dislocation
movement can start at lower strength resulting in a decrease of strength in compression.
This phenomena is known as Bauschinger effect. This is pictorial shown in the following
diagram.

Bouschinger Effect is also known as strain softening.First observe the figure given below,

Region OA -This region is Elastic Region in tension.Within this reagion, if we unload

the material it will follow the same path in the reverse direction i. e. From A to O.
Region OZ- This region is Elastic Region in compression. Within this region, if we
unload the material it will follow the same path in the reverse direction i.e.From Z to O.

Region AB- Due to increase in load,tensile stresses overcome the bond strength.
Dislocation starts moving towards grain boundary. Material starts yielding due to
movement of these dislocations.Accumulation of dislocations near grain boundary
creates a back pressure, because same type of dislocations repel each other.

Region BC- Immediate unloading will take curve from B to C. Elastic recovery takes
place in this region. Length OC represents the permanent deformation of material.

Region CD- Compression of material takes place from C to D.

Region DZ- As in case of tension, back pressure opposes the movement of dislocations
i. e. this back pressure resists the tensile load. Same back pressure will now assist the
compressive load. Due to combined effect of compression and this back pressure, a
curvature is observed from D to Z.

Region ZE- Due to further increase in compressive load, material starts yielding in
compression. Again a back pressure is created. Now this back pressure will resist the
compressive load but will assist the tensile load.

Region EF - Represents removal of compressive load.

Region FG- Again we apply a tensile load.

Region GA- Due to combined effect of tensile load and back pressure created during
compression, a curvature can be observed here also.

These curvatures represents the Strain softening and this effect is know as
Bouschinger Effect.