High strain rate compressive behaviour of selective laser melted Ti-6Al-4V

Ti-6Al-4V alloy is one of the most important engineering alloys, combining attractive properties with inherent workability. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of strain rate on the compressive mechanical properties of Ti6Al4V alloy manufactured by a selective laser melting process. The mechanical tests were performed by means of a compression split Hopkinson pressure bar apparatus under high strain rate ranging from 1400 s^-1to 4500 s^-1. The true stressstrain curves obtained from static and dynamic compressive tests show strain rate sensitivity from quasi-static (peak strength 1300MPa) to high strain rate (peak 1500 MPa). Within the high strain rate range tested, the strain rate sensitivity is not remarkable. The fractographic analysis shows a relatively smooth and smeared fractured surface along with a dimple like structure. The observation of elongated dimples confirms the operation of a dynamic shear failure mechanism for the additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts.