Experimental observations in cyclic loading of metals

Major macroscopic experimental observations during cyclic loading of engineering metals are explained in this chapter. Both strain- and stress-controlled experiments with zero, as well as nonzero, applied mean values are considered while describing cyclic response attributes. Key cyclic plasticity concepts, such as Bauschinger and Masing phenomena, associated with various cyclic stress–strain curve features are also introduced. Moreover, the underlying microstructure link to the observed macroscopic response is discussed to give ideas about the relevant physics behind such observations.