Dynamic Behaviour of Selective Laser Melted 316L Steel - Mechanical Properties and Microstructure Changes

Abstract

316L steel specimens with three different shear zones made by SLM (Selective Laser Melting) were subjected to dynamic tests using the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar method. The effect of high-speed deformation on changes in microstructure was analyzed. In addition, the stress-strain relationship was determined from the SHPB results. To visualize the deformation process of the specimens during the tests, a camera with a high frame rate was used. It was shown that as the plastic deformation increases, the hardness of the material increases. Microstructural analysis of dynamically loaded areas revealed numerous defects. Twinning was found to be the main deformation mechanism. Large plastic deformation and many other microstructural changes such as shear bands, cracks and martensite nucleation were also observed.