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Role of α → ε → α phase transformation on the spall behavior of iron at atomic scales

Journal Article · · Journal of Materials Science
 [1];  [2]
  1. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (United States); University of Connecticut
  2. University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (United States)
Shock compression of iron microstructures above a threshold stress results in a α (BCC) → ε (HCP) transformation and the propagation of the release wave brings the metal back to the α phase following the ε→α transformation. Predicting failure behavior under shock loading conditions (spallation) relies on understanding the evolution of defects in the microstructure as it undergoes the α→ε→α phase transformation. This study uses molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to investigate the role of defect evolution during α→ε→α phase transformation on the spall strength values of single-crystal (sc) Fe microstructures. The MD simulations aim to characterize the ε phase fraction formed during shock compression and the defects during shock release for variations in loading orientations and shock stresses. The simulations are carried out for loading along the [100], [110], [111], and [112] orientations and for impact velocities ranging from 600 m/s to 1 km/s. The ε phase fractions during compression and defects (dislocations, twins) characterized during spall failure show an orientation dependence that affects the spall strength values. Here, the lowest value for spall strength is observed for the <110> loading orientation that shows a high density of twinning at the spall plane, whereas the highest value is observed for the <100> orientation and is associated with a α (BCC) → γ (FCC) transformation at the spall plane. The correlations of the spall strength values with the strain rates and with the ε phase fractions are discussed.
Research Organization:
University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)
Grant/Contract Number:
NA0003857
OSTI ID:
2457130
Alternate ID(s):
OSTI ID: 1976683
Journal Information:
Journal of Materials Science, Journal Name: Journal of Materials Science Journal Issue: 26 Vol. 57; ISSN 0022-2461
Publisher:
SpringerCopyright Statement
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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  • Ashitkov, S. I.; Zhakhovsky, V. V.; Inogamov, N. A.
  • SHOCK COMPRESSION OF CONDENSED MATTER - 2015: Proceedings of the Conference of the American Physical Society Topical Group on Shock Compression of Condensed Matter, AIP Conference Proceedings https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4971660
conference January 2017
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