Transformation plasticity at high strain rate in magnesia-partially-stabilized zirconia

Transformation plasticity in magnesia partially stabilized zirconia (Mg-PSZ) was studied using a split Hopkinson pressure bar modified for ceramic materials. Axial and transverse strains are measured under uniaxial compressive loading at a strain rate of 250/s. The transformation yield stress increased from 900 MPa under quasi-static loading to 1.2 GPa at high strain rate. Post-yield deformation is characterized by shear and volumetric plastic strains up to 1.2%. During unloading, the axial and transverse plastic strains are partially recovered while the volume is conserved. Axially oriented microcracks do not contribute significantly to plastic deformation.