THERMOMECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF POLYCRYSTALLINE VANADIUM IN COMPRESSION

The mechanical behavior of commercially pure polycrystalline vanadium (99.8%) has been characterized in compression over a strain rate range of 10(-4) to 6 x 10(3) s(-1). In addition, the temperature dependence of the flow stress of vanadium has been examined over a range of temp eratures from 25 to 700 degrees C for a strain rate of 10(-3) s(-1). O ptical metallography of the deformed specimens revealed no twins, defo rmation bands or microcracks, suggesting that the deformation proceede d largely by crystallographic slip. The strain rate and temperature de pendence of the strain hardening rate and flow stress is indicative of a BCC material, although a pronounced local peak in the flow stress w as observed at about 400 degrees C.