Strain-rate effects for some common structural materials used in radioactive material packaging and transportation systems

Dynamic material property data were gathered for the usual structural materials of radioactive material packaging and transportation systems. Information relevant to design, development, and safety analysis of these systems was included. Strain rate data were limited to the range from static to dynamic impact velocities of about 15m/s or strain rates of 102/s. Temperatures were limited to the range -40 to about 5400C. The materials included stainless steels, structural steels, aluminium, copper, lead, and uranium. The dynamic material property data were quite limited, particularly mechanical property data at temperatures near -400C amd 150 to 4250C. In general, the tensile and compressive yield and ultimate strengths of the commonly used structural materials are enhanced at strain rates in the range 10-1 to 103/s when compared to static values. The increased strength is particularly apparent for lead, carbon steels, and aluminium alloys. The limited amount of data found on depleted uranium and its alloys and stainless steels leaves the strain rate effect unresolved for these materials. The high-yield, heat-treatable steels and copper show minor strain-rate effects. Additional dynamic data should be developed for lead (in tension), uranium and its alloys, stainless steels, carbon steels, and aluminium alloys at strain rates in the range of 10-1 to 50/s for temperatures in the range of -40 to 8000C. (author)