Dynamic mechanical behavior of co-continuous metal composites

The dynamic mechanical behavior of multiphase metal composites comprising dissimilar immiscible phases can be controlled through selection of constituents, processing routes and phase topologies. Here, we experimentally and computationally investigate a co-continuous tungsten-copper composite that is of interest because both constituents exist in significant fractions and exhibit highly dissimilar properties (CTE, density, yield stress, elastic modulus, crystal structure). Experiments on multiple composite compositions and across several strain rates (quasi-static, Kolsky bar, flyer plate) investigate the interplay of microstructure, strain rate and load state on dynamic mechanical behavior. Additionally, complimentary experiments on single phase tungsten and copper contextualize the bulk mechanical properties and rate sensitivities of the composite in terms of the constituent's responses.