High strain rate properties of SiC/AZ31B nanocomposites under low temperature

In this paper, the deformation behaviours of AZ31B magnesium alloy and AZ31B reinforced composites (AZ31B-SiC0.5% and AZ31B-SiC1%) under different strain rates at low temperature were studied. Compressive Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar was used to conduct the experiment and the three materials were subjected to high strain rate dynamic loading at a constant low temperature of -30oC. Stress vs strain, strain rate vs time, average stress vs strain as well as log stress vs log strain graphs and strain to failure vs strain rate table were plotted to study the mechanical properties such as compressive strength, yield stress, strain to failure, ductility and strain-hardening exponent of these three materials. The results obtained showed that AZ31B reinforced composites have better compressive strength but results in a decrease in ductility and strain-hardening exponent. In addition, it is also observed that the overall stress level increases at higher strain rates.Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical Engineering