On the importance of recrystallization to reproduce the Taylor impact specimen shape of a pure nickel

Abstract

Taylor tests are a mean to investigate the dynamic plastic and failure behaviour of metals under compression. By taking in account the strengthening occurring at high strain rates, the Taylor final diameter of a pure nickel impacted at 453 m/s have been numerically reproduced by 13%. Through post-mortem observations of the specimen impacted at 453 m/s, a recrystallization process has been found to occur resulting in a softening of the pure nickel. Subsequent numerical simulations taking in account this softening have been found to reduce the difference between experimental and numerical diameter by 10%.