Deformation behavior of tantalum and a tantalum tungsten alloy

A comparative study of the deformation behavior of tantalum and a tantalum 2.5 wt.% tungsten alloy is carried out. High strain-rate experimental data are used to develop phenomenological constitutive relations. The temperatur e and the strain-rate sensitivity of the flow stresses are compared. It is observed that although the flow stress for the Ta-2.5%W alloy is greater th an that of Ta, the corresponding temperature and strain-rate sensitivity is less pronounced. Ta-2.5%W experiences a solid-solution softening, wherein the athermal stress component has increased, while the thermal component ha s decreased by the alloying. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights rese rved.