The shock-induced mechanical response of the shape memory alloy, NiTi

The high-strain rate response of NiTi-based shape memory alloys has recently attracted a great deal of attention. In this investigation, results are presented where a NiTi-based alloy has been loaded with a planar shock front via the technique of plate impact. Measurements have been made using manganin stress transducers placed at different distances from the impact face within the specimen assembly, allowing the determination of shock stresses, shock velocities and the shock-induced yield strengths and tensile strengths. Results indicate that this material displays a pronounced strain-rate sensitivity in its shock-induced yield strength when compared to the quasi-static equivalent.