High Strain Rate Properties of Various Forms of Ti6Al4V(ELI) Produced by Direct Metal Laser Sintering

• Main Authors: Amos Muiruri, Maina Maringa, Willie du Preez
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2021-08-01
• Series: Applied Sciences
• Subjects: direct laser metal sintering; Ti6Al4V(ELI); SHPB; high strain rate; flow stress; fracture strain
• Online Access: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/11/17/8005

For analysis of engineering structural materials to withstand harsh environmental conditions, accurate knowledge of properties such as flow stress and failure over conditions of high strain rate and temperature plays an essential role. Such properties of additively manufactured Ti6Al4V(ELI) are not adequately studied. This paper documents an investigation of the high strain rate and temperature properties of different forms of heat-treated Ti6Al4V(ELI) samples produced by the direct metal laser sintering (DMLS). The microstructure and texture of the heat-treated samples were analysed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an electron backscatter diffraction detector for electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) analysis. The split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) equipment was used to carry out tests at strain rates of 750, 1500 and 2450 s⁻¹, and temperatures of 25, 200 and 500 °C. The heat-treated samples of DMLS Ti6Al4V(ELI) alloys tested here were found to be sensitive to strain rate and temperature. At most strain rates and temperatures, the samples with finer microstructure exhibited higher dynamic strength and lower strain, while the dynamic strength and strain were lower and higher, respectively, for samples with coarse microstructure. The cut surfaces of the samples tested were characterised by a network of well-formed adiabatic shear bands (ASBs) with cracks propagating along them. The thickness of these ASBs varied with the strain rate, temperature, and various alloy forms.