Analysis of pulsed electroplasticity in metals

Application of high-intensity electric fields and/or currents is known to enhance materials’ deformability. For instance, their continuous or in short-pulses application on metals and ceramics may significantly affect their deformation response to external loads. This phenomenon is commonly referred to as electroplasticity (EP) or electroplastic effect. In the present preliminary study, mechanical tensile experiments were carried out in combination with the application of short duration high-intensity electric currents in copper samples. Our study captures the enhanced plasticity induced in the metal due to EP. Postevent microstructural studies highlighted the effect of high-intensity electric current on the material.