High temperature deformation and fracture behaviour of 316L stainless steel under high strain rate loading

Abstract The high temperature deformation and fracture behaviour of 316L stainless steel under high strain rate loading conditions are investigated by means of a split Hopkinson pressure bar. Impact tests are performed at strain rates ranging from 1 × 103 s−1 to 5 × 103 s−1 and temperatures between 25 °C and 800 °C. The experimental results indicate that the flow response and fracture characteristics of 316L stainless steel are significantly dependent on the strain rate and temperature. The fracture analysis results indicate that the 316L specimens fail predominantly as the result of intensive localised shearing. Furthermore, it is shown that the flow localisation effect leads to the formation of adiabatic shear bands. The fracture surfaces of the deformed 316L specimens are characterised by a dimple-like structure with knobby features. The knobby features are thought to be the result of a rise in the local temperature to a value greater than the melting point.