Effect of high strain rate on plastic deformation of a low alloy steel subjected to ballistic impact

Some results of an experimental study on high strain rate deformation of a low alloy steel are discussed in this paper. Cylindrical specimens of the steel in quench-hardened and tempered condition were subjected to high strain rate deformation by direct impact using a modified Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The deformation process is dominated by stress collapse due to thermal softening effect of adiabatic heating in some narrow bands …