Nano-Impact Tests with Ultra-High Strain Rate Loading Using Graphene and Ion Impact

Abstract

Strain rate is essential in study of the physics of fluids and solids undergoing deformation. State-of-art high strain rate tests have mainly been in macro-scale with an upper limit of [Formula: see text]. A graphene-based layered system is proposed to conduct nanometer-scale high strain rate testing. The process is investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Accelerated single ion or group of ions are used to impact on the proposed system to generate ballistic or plate-like impact scenarios. The effects of impact energy, shape of impact absorber and the impaction location are investigated. The graphene layer is the key of the proposed system to spread the load and protect the sample. The results indicate that ion group and single ion impacts produce strain rates of [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text], respectively. Ion group impact produces a more significant signal than single ion impact on the sensing nano-layer in the system. The ultimate strength of an Al-Cu alloy sample during ion impact is estimated to be 215[Formula: see text]MPa to 251[Formula: see text]MPa, significantly lower than predicted by the Johnson–Cook model because of the rapidly increased temperature and melting in the sample. The results demonstrate new possibilities for understanding high strain rate effects at nano-scale.