Explosion/impact response of pure molybdenum at ultra-high strain rate and large strains

Abstract

In order to study the dynamic mechanical properties of molybdenum under high strain rates, experiments are conducted using Hopkinson dynamic compression testing of a small-sized sample and explosion impact dynamic X-ray study of a flat shaped-charge liner. Experimental data agrees well with theoretical calculations and numerical simulations. Results demonstrate that strain hardening, thermal softening, and strain rate strengthening effects during the impact response process of the molybdenum material vary significantly with different impact conditions in a temperature range of 297–1273 K and a strain rate range of 0.0001–48,000 s−1. Strain rate strengthening and thermal softening effects are particularly apparent in the molybdenum material under impact at medium and high strain rates. At extremely high strain rates and large deformations, the dynamic mechanical response provides evidence of thermal softening and strain hardening effects. Stresses that result in damage to the molybdenum material are primarily attributed to the latter.