A Dynamic Finite-Deformation Constitutive Model for Steels Undergoing Slip, Twinning, and Phase Changes

Abstract

Depending on composition, processing, microstructure, and loading mode, steels may demonstrate various inelastic deformation mechanisms, notably dislocation glide, deformation twinning, and solid-solid phase changes. Damage in the form of voids, often leading to failure by macro-cracking, is also of current interest. A finite-deformation constitutive model is constructed in order to address such mechanisms in isotropic polycrystals under static and dynamic loading, where the latter encompasses high pressures and extreme strain rates pertinent to ballistic penetration. Slip and twinning are isochoric, and their relative contributions to kinematics are not explicitly distinguished in the present application. Phase changes among, e.g., face-centered-cubic (FCC), body-centered-cubic (BCC), body-centered-tetragonal (BCT), and hexagonal (HCP) structures are admitted, with corresponding deviatoric and volumetric strains. Porosity from voids contributes to volumetric strain. A new consistent thermodynamic framework incorporating an Eulerian strain tensor and internal state variables is developed, whereby kinetic equations for slip–twinning, phase changes, and damage evolution result in contributions to dissipation. An objective rate form of the model, derived assuming small deviatoric elastic strain, is implemented numerically. The model is applied to three different primarily austenitic, medium-high Mn steels. Specifically, representations of a slip-dominated (SLIP), a TRIP (transformation-induced plasticity) and a TWIP (twinning-induced plasticity) steel are calibrated to quasi-static tension, quasi-static compression, and dynamic compression data, at both room and high temperatures. A novel functional form of material strength distinguishes hardening profiles of the different alloys. Experimental data are reasonably well represented. Model extrapolations for dynamic strength and pressure in regimes pertinent to shock compression are analyzed. Predictions for multi-axial loading of shear with simultaneous expansion or contraction demonstrate competing physical mechanisms among the alloys that could be leveraged for optimal ballistic performance.