Predicting material strength, damage, and fracture: The synergy between experiment and modeling

The last years witnessed the emergence of a number of methods to account for the mechanical behavior of metal. The most recent efforts relied heavily on three-dimensional (3-D) computer simulations. This paper discusses the role of experiments in developing and validating mechanical response models. First, state-of-the-art experiments to measure very accurately the basic stress-strain relationships of metals and alloys under varying temperatures and strain rates are outlined. Second, the ways in which specific damage evolution mechanisms that progress from the loss of load-carrying capacity to fracture are discussed. Finally, specialized experimental methods, measurements, and models describing the dynamic deformation and failure induced by explosive deformation are described. Overall, the information given illustrates progress achieved to date in quantifying the dynamic mechanical response of materials and applying those insights to the development of predictive material models of relevance to the defense mission of Los Alamos.