ABSTRACT
The evolved microstructure and damage resulting from high strain rate deformation of high purity iron and tantalum have been studied in Taylor cylinder specimens and Explosively Formed Projectiles (EFPs). In the iron, deformation occurred through slip and mechanical twinning while fracture was through adiabatic shear localization and ductile fracture along these shear bands. The tantalum exhibited remarkable ductility and very low hardening rates. Deformation was entirely by slip leading to necking and ultimate chisel-type rupture. TEM work showed the deformed specimens to have a very complex cell structure with numerous dislocation loops.
