Study of the formation of adiabatic shear bands in steels

The formation and evolution of adiabatic shear bands at high strain rate deformation of AISI 4340 steel was investigated using a torsional split Hopkinson bar system. The process was also modeled by finite element methods. Factors affecting the occurrence of the adiabatic shear bands such as specimen geometry were also examined. Depending on these factors, it was found that the adiabatic shear bands occur more likely when there is differences in properties and microstructure than in the rest of the sample and that a specific specimen geometry and dimensions favor the occurrence of high strain rates and hence the formation of the adiabatic shear bands.