Accounting for Localized Deformation: A Simple Computation of True Stress in Micropillar Compression Experiments

This article explores the significance of true stress calculations in micropillar compression experiments, which are crucial for understanding the mechanical behavior of materials at micro and nano scales. It highlights the challenges posed by localized deformation, such as slip/kink bands, and introduces simple geometric formulas to calculate true stress without the need for complex finite element computations. The formulas are derived for both homogeneous and localized deformation scenarios, offering a practical tool for researchers to accurately interpret experimental data. The study also includes comparisons with finite element simulations, demonstrating the reliability of the proposed formulas. By re-evaluating previous experimental results, the article underscores the importance of considering the current deformation state of materials to draw accurate conclusions about their mechanical behavior.