Dynamic Mechanical Response and Deformation Mechanism of Laser-Directed Energy Deposited AerMet100 Ultra-High-Strength Steel Under Critical Fracture Strain-Rate Conditions

  • Cong Rui Wang
  • , Xian Zhe Ran*
  • , Xu Cheng
  • , Zhuo Li
  • , Heng Dong
  • , Hai Jun Wu
  • , Shu Quan Zhang
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)

Abstract

Superior impact resistance is a critical dynamic mechanical performance characteristic that is essential for maintaining structural integrity of ultra-high-strength steel (UHSS) components under high-strain-rate loading conditions. This study primarily investigates the dynamic mechanical response and deformation mechanisms of laser-directed energy deposited (LDED) AerMet100 steel in both as-deposited and three types of tempered conditions (482 °C for 2 to 10 hours) using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) tests at critical fracture strain rates. After heat treatment, the critical fracture strain rate of LDED AerMet100 steel increased from 4336 s−1 (as-deposited) to over 5011 s−1. Prolonged tempering time results in a reduction in flow stress (2806 ± 50 MPa for TM-2h specimen vs. 2475 ± 36 MPa for TM-10h specimen) and yield strength of the steel, which is attributed to M2C carbide coarsening and thickening of film-like reverted austenite. Among the tested specimens, the TM-5h specimen demonstrates an optimal combination of strength and toughness, exhibiting a flow stress of approximately 2725 MPa and plastic work of approximately 846 MJ/m3. Notable differences are observed in microplastic deformation behavior and cracking characteristics between the as-deposited and tempered specimens. As-deposited specimens exhibit non-uniform plastic deformation with the appearance of localized deformation bands, while grain boundaries are susceptible to premature cracking prior to the formation of adiabatic shear bands (ASBs). In contrast, the tempered specimens develop ASBs containing dynamically recrystallized nanoscale equiaxed grains, which promote microcrack initiation and propagation. These findings establish a clear correlation between microstructural evolution and dynamic mechanical properties of LDED AerMet100 steel under critical fracture strain-rate conditions, offering valuable design guidelines for the development of strong impact-resistant components.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)5311-5330
Number of pages20
JournalMetallurgical and Materials Transactions A: Physical Metallurgy and Materials Science
Volume56
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2025
Externally publishedYes

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