Some effects of an electric field on the plastic deformation of metals and ceramics

The external parameters generally considered in the plastic deformation of metals and ceramics are the temperature, pressure or stress and time. Usually neglected are the effects of electric and magnetic fields. However, such fields can often have a significant influence, especially when applied concurrently with the more common parameters. Some examples of the effects of an electric field on the plastic deformation of metals and ceramics found by the author and his coworkers are presented. Included are the following: (a) the influence of electropulsing on the flow stress of metals at 78-300 K, (b) the effect of an external electric field (surface charge) on the superplastic deformation of the 74754 Al alloy, (c) the influence of an electric field on the flow stress and ductility of polycrystalline NaCl at 0.28-0.75 T-M and (d) the effect of an electric field on the superplastic deformation of 3Y-TZP. Mechanisms responsible for the observed effects are considered.