High temperature single impact studies on material deformation and fracture behaviour of metal matrix composites and steels

To exploit the full potential of materials used at elevated temperatures, it is crucial to understand their deformation and fracture mechanisms. High Temperature Single Impact Studies were performed to evaluate deformation mechanisms at different energy and momentum levels and their correlation to temperature. The limitations of materials regarding their impact resistance, the resulting deformation and fracture mechanisms were investigated. NiCrBSi based Metal Matrix Composites (MMC), reinforced with TiCNiMo or Cr3C2Ni particles, manufactured by Plasma Transferred Arc Cladding along with two different types of steels were tested and compared to study different types of deformation and fractures. Results indicate more ductile deformation behaviour of the investigated steels, while the MMCs show brittle behaviour at several temperatures. Critical impact loadings were determined at elevated temperatures to limit the range of use in impact dominated high temperature environment. Results show that the influence of different momenta at constant impact energy levels cannot be neglected.