A local optimisation method for obtaining material parameters in finite ele
ment simulations has been developed The method is based on the minimisation
of an error function which reflects the accuracy of a numerical prediction
with respect to the results of simple specimen tests. The experimental dat
a were obtained from high strain rate tensile tests on the alloy 40 per cen
t titanium - 6 per cent aluminium - 4 per cent vanadium (Ti6A14V) using the
tensile split-Hopkinson pressure bar The behaviour of the tensile specimen
was monitored during the test rising lu;p-h-speed photography and transien
t recorders Finite element simulations were performed using ABAQUS/Explicit
employing the Zerilli-Armstrong material model for bce metals).