Impact response of W_0.75NbTiZr energetic structural material: microstructural evolution and energy-release behavior

The mechanical properties and energy-release behavior of the W_0.75NbTiZr energetic structural material (ESM) were investigated using Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) and ballistic gun experiments. The impact response of the material was further analyzed, combined with microstructural evolution. The results demonstrate that biphase microstructure endows it with excellent strength and plasticity, as well as energy-release characteristics. Under dynamic loading, the material exhibits a significant impact-ignition phenomenon, and multiple delayed micro-explosion reactions occur at high strain rates. Fracture morphology and microstructural observations indicate that high-strain-rate loading promotes the aggregation, growth, and precipitation of the W-rich phase, improves the material’s strength, and alters the internal stress concentration state, providing a structural basis for the delayed reaction behavior. The ballistic gun experiment verified the favorable energy-release characteristics of the W_0.75NbTiZr energetic metallic material. A reaction energy calculation method was proposed based on energy conservation and pressure measurement data, which can capture the delayed reaction behavior of ESMs and quantitatively evaluate the energy-release rate and energy-release amount. The research results provide a theoretical basis and experimental support for the regulation of microstructure and the synergistic design of mechanical energy in high-performance energetic structural materials.