Adiabatic flow curves of metallic materials at high strain rates

Dynamic compression tests are carried out on Armco iron, Cr-V-steel, Ni-Cr-Mo-V-steel, an austenitic Ni-Cr-Mo-steel, tantalum, nickel and Ni₃Al and magnesium. The flow curves are analysed to determine the influence of the deformation energy which is tranformed into heat on the flow behaviour and mechancial stability. Not only the material properties but also the conditions of friction between the specimen and the compression tool are found to have a greate influence on the flow stress reduction and stability. High frictional forces promote mechanical instability of materials with low strain hardening and low strain rate sensitivity.