This study investigates heat generation in metals during plastic deformatio
n. Experiments were designed to measure the partition of plastic work into
heat and stored energy during dynamic deformations under adiabatic conditio
ns. A servohydraulic load frame was used to measure mechanical properties a
t lower strain rates, 10(-3) s(-1) to 1 s(-1). A Kolsky pressure bar was us
ed to determine mechanical properties at strain rates between 10(3) s(-1) a
nd 10(4) s(-1). For dynamic loading, in situ temperature changes were measu
red using a high-speed HgCdTe photoconductive detector. An aluminum 2024-T3
alloy and alpha-titanium were used to determine the dependence of the frac
tion of plastic work converted to heat on strain and strain rate. The flow
stress and beta for 2024-T3 aluminum alloy were found to be a function of s
train but not strain rate, whereas they were found to be strongly dependent
on strain rate for alpha-titanium.