Compressive mechanical properties of metal fiber sintered sheets at different strain rates

The quasi-static and dynamic mechanical behaviors of metal fiber sintered sheets (MFSSs) with six relative densities and three fiber diameters at the strain rates ranging from 0.001/s to 2000/s are investigated by using Universal Materials Testing System and split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system. The effects of relative density, strain rate on the yield strength and the energy absorption efficiency of MFSSs are evaluated. Finite element models (FEM) based on computed tomography (CT) images and idealized fiber networks are developed to simulate the compressive behavior at different strain rates. The measured responses of MFSSs are generally in agreement with that predicted by the 3D reconstructed model and the idealized model. Two deformation modes of MFSSs are explored based on stress wave theory and a critical speed is calculated to differentiate the two modes. Finally, an idealized lapping network is proposed to explore the compatibility condition of the geometrical characteristics and the effect of the strain rate and relative density on the mechanical behavior MFSSs.