Dynamic properties of additively manufactured tantalum

Abstract

In this study a series of gas gun plate impact experiments have been conducted on samples of wire arc AM tantalum to investigate the high strain rate behaviour of the material, including tensile failure (spall) mechanisms. Conventionally processed tantalum was fielded alongside the AM material to provide a direct comparison under identical loading conditions. In-situ velocimetry data was supported by pre-shock characterisation of the samples to supply information on the initial material microstructure, and to link these features to the observed differences in dynamic behaviour. Additional post-shock analysis of the damaged region in the samples provided further insight into the failure process.