Dynamic Tensile Characterization of Vascomax® Maraging C250 and C300 Alloys

Abstract

Vascomax® maraging C250 and C300 alloys were dynamically characterized in tension with Kolsky tension bar techniques. Compared with conventional Kolsky tension bar experiments, a pair of lock nuts was used to minimize the pseudo stress peak and a laser system was applied to directly measure the specimen displacement. Dynamic engineering stress–strain curves of the C250 and C300 alloys were obtained in tension at 1000 and 3000 s−1. The dynamic yield strengths for both alloys were similar, but significantly higher than those obtained from quasi-static indentation tests. Both alloys exhibited insignificant strain-rate effect on dynamic yield strength. The C300 alloy showed approximately 10 % higher in yield strength than the C250 alloy at the same strain rates. Necking was observed in both alloys right after yield. The Bridgman correction was applied to calculate the true stress and strain at failure for both alloys. The true failure stress showed a modest strain rate effect for both alloys but no significant difference between the two alloys at the same strain rate. The C250 alloy was more ductile than the C300 alloy under dynamic loading.