Localization of plastic deformation during high strain rate torsion testing of rolled homogeneous armour

Abstract

A recently developed technique which allows a study of the localization of plastic flow during high-speed torsion testing is briefly described. High-speed photographs showing successive stages in the deformation of three rolled homogeneous armour (RHA) steel specimens are presented. Three stages are identified corresponding to uniform shear, localized shear and the propagation of ductile failure. The results are analysed to estimate the conditions under which localization and subsequent ductile fracture are initiated. The results are compared with a previous study on a soft iron.