Modelling and Experiments for the Development of Multiscale Constitutive Models for Tantalum

This talk will give a broad overview of modelling and experimental work being undertaken at AWE-NST to aid in the development of constitutive models capturing the high strain-rate deformation of metals, based on a multiscale approach.

Tantalum has been used as a model bcc material for much of this effort. First principles and atomistic simulations are used to provide constraining data for phenomenological isotropic strength models at the continuum scale, and for flow rules and dislocations evolutionary laws, suitable for use in crystal plasticity simulations at the mesoscale.

The role of experiments, some of which are performed in-house and in collaboration, will also be highlighted. These include experiments on single crystal and polycrystal material over a range of strain-rates, and the use of HED platforms to provide in-situ measurements for investigating the plasticity mechanisms that dominate under extreme loading conditions, informing future model development.

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