Textures and local orientations have been determined in copper alloys after cold rolling and annealing. The measurements show that for a strain below a given threshold a mixed “deformation-recrystallization” texture is obtained after a static primary recrystallization : the {100}<001> cube orientation becomes stronger as annealing procedes, but is not dominating in the final microstructure. Global texture determinations by X-ray diffraction coupled with local orientation measurements by EBSD (Electron Back-Scattered Diffraction) show that in materials cold rolled by 70 and 80%, the orientation changes at the very beginning of the recrystallization process (i.e. at nucleation) are crucial for the formation of the recrystallization texture.

The superelastic behaviour of shape memory alloys is now successfully modelled. On the other hand, the anisothermal creep is badly described, both by phenomenological models and by micro-macro formulations. In this paper we introduce a new approach, based on the concept of group of variants to more precisely describe the microstructure obtained during stress assisted two way memory. A new variants selection criterion is proposed.

A technique, which allows characterizing the local strain field over a domain representative of the microstructure of a heterogeneous material, is described. It is based on scanning electron microscopy, microelectrolithography, image analysis and in situ mechanical tests. On one hand, in relation with a microstructure analysis, it allows characterizing the different mechanisms responsible for the plasticity or the damage of materials. On the other hand, a quantitative analysis allows comparing and validating from a local to a global scale, the different models used for the prediction of materials constitutive laws. Finally, the knowledge of the experimental displacement improves seriously the results of finite element computations, by a better determination of the boundary conditions.

A quantitative method is described for the measurememnt of displacements and strains by high-resolution electron microscopy. The image is considered to be composed of periodic sets characterized by Fourier analysis. The local amplitude and geometric phase of lattice fringes can be determined in this way. The analysis of the phase distribution leads to the determination of the local lattice configuration. The method is illustrated by different examples and its application conditions are discussed.

Artefacts of World War I were studied to better understand iron corrosion phenomena in clay soils. The identification of their two corrosion layers by Raman spectroscopy highlighted iron oxides and oxy-hydroxides. Electrochemical experiments confirmed the porosity of the external layer, and the protective role of the internal products. The influence of the burial environment on the corrosion rate was also proved.