Dynamic necking in materials with strain induced martensitic transformation

This work investigates the interplay between inertia and strain induced martensitic transformation (SIMT) on necking inception and energy absorption in dynamically stretched cylindrical rods. For that task a linear stability technique, derived within a quasi-1D framework and specifically accounting for SIMT, has been developed. Likewise, finite element simulations have been performed, using a specific constitutive equation to consider SIMT. Stability analysis and numerical simulations demonstrate that, at high strain rates, inertia may take the dominant role in stabilizing the material, on top of the transformation hardening effects. Furthermore, under certain loading conditions the martensitic transformation may penalize either ductility or energy absorption capacity. •SIMT may not improve the ductility of the material at high strain rates.•SIMT may not improve the capacity for energy absorption at high strain rates.•In SIMT materials the adiabatic temperature increase may not contribute to plastic localization.•Dynamic necking is not a random process.