Observation of shear band localization in Ti-6Al-4V through in-situ imaging under dynamic compression conditions

Severe deformation of materials can lead to inhomogeneous intense zones of localized strain, typically called adiabatic shear bands, serving as the precursor to failure. It has been observed in the past that Ti-64 readily shear bands under dynamic compression conditions. We performed a series of plate-impact hole closure experiments with in-situ X-ray radiography imaging to visualize the inhomogeneous response. Observed regions of sharp discontinuity indicate formation of shear bands. The addition of a low-density filler material in the hole produces a more homogeneous closure response indicating inhibition of shear banding. Fully intact samples were recovered, and a series of post-mortem characterizations is performed with results discussed.