Determining large-strain metal plasticity parameters using <i>in situ</i> measurements of plastic flow past a wedge

We present a novel approach to determine the constitutive properties of metals under large plastic strains and strain rates that otherwise are difficult access using conventional materials testing methods. The exploits large-strain flow past sharp wedge, coupled with high-speed photography image velocimetry capture underlying dynamics. inverse problem estimating material parameters from field is solved an iterative optimization procedure minimizes gap between internal external work. A major advantage method it neither makes any assumptions about nor requires computational simulations. To counter non-unique parameter estimates, we propose parameterization scheme takes functional form model reformulates into more tractable identify plasticity uniquely. studies illustrate principle two widely different characteristics: copper (strain hardening) lead-free solder alloy (rate sensitive deformation history dependent). results demonstrate efficacy in reliably determining high strain/strain rate conditions relevance range practical engineering problems.