High Strain Rate Behavior of Some Hot and Cold Rolled Low Carbon Steels

The high strain rate behavior of three types of low carbon steel has been investigated in the strain rate regime of .006-100 sec^-1. These types included hot and/or cold rolled (i) rimmed steels, (ii) aluminum killed steels and (iii) high strength low alloy steels with various combinations of cold rolling and aging treatments. The tensile properties reported at four strain rates in the above range are yield strength, tensile strength, uniform and total elongation, strain hardening exponent and strength coefficient. Strain rate hardening exponent at several strain levels is also reported. New experimental techniques are discussed. The results are presented in tabular form and are discussed with representative graphs. In general, strength increases and ductility decreases with increasing strain rate. It is observed that the strain rate hardening exponent appears to depend only on the static flow stress of the material and is independent of the strengthening mechanism used to achieve the strength within the domain of the materials tested. The data are briefly discussed in light of some models and mechanisms that are taken from the literature.