Complex Network Methods for Plastic Deformation Dynamics in Metals

Plastic deformation of DC04 steel is regarded as a nonlinear, complex, irreversible, and self-organized process. The stress–strain time series analysis provided the possibility to identify areas of (quasi-)elastic deformation, plastic deformation, and necking. The latter two regions are the most informative. The area of inelastic deformation is reflected by collective, self-organized processes that lead to the formation of pores, and finally, the development of microcracks and a general crack as the cause of sample failure. Network measures for the quantitative assessment of the structural deformations in metals are proposed. Both spectral and topological measures of network complexity were found to be especially informative. According to our results, they can be used not only to classify the stages of plastic deformation, but also, they can be applied as a precursor of the material destruction process.