The dynamic compression properties of B4C/6061Al neutron absorber composites (NACs) with three B4C volume fractions (20–40%), fabricated by power metallurgy, were studied. Compression tests were conducted at strain rates ranging from 760 to 1150 s−1, using a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The damage mechanism was studied through microstructural analysis. Results show that the B4C particles exhibited a uniform distribution in the 6061Al matrix. The NACs dynamic strength was found to improve with increasing quantities of B4C particles, and with strain rate. The damage mechanisms include particle fracture and interface debonding. Dislocation pile-up was observed at grain boundaries and at the interface between particles and the matrix. A constitutive model under dynamic compression was developed based on the Johnson–Cook model.
This paper is part of a thematic issue on Nuclear Materials.
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