Dynamic compression behavior of TC11 alloy fabricated by electron beam powder bed fusion and heat treatment

This study investigates the dynamic deformation behavior and microstructural evolution of TC11 titanium alloy fabricated by electron beam powder bed fusion (EB-PBF), which remains insufficiently understood compared with conventionally processed alloys. EB-PBF samples were subjected to solution-aging treatments at different temperatures, and their phase composition, microstructure, and dynamic compression properties were systematically investigated. The as-deposited alloy exhibits lamellar α and intergranular β phases with a strong Burgers orientation relationship, while heat treatment at 1000 °C induces the precipitation of fine acicular α' laths. Dynamic compression testing reveals that dislocation accumulation, grain rotation, and 10 1 ¯ 2 < 1 ¯ 011 > tensile twins dominate the deformation process, whereas severe shear promotes adiabatic shear band (ASB) formation, followed by microvoid nucleation and crack propagation. The basketweave structure exhibits weakened texture and a broader SF distribution compared with α colony. These results provide new insights into how distinct microstructural morphologies govern the high strain rate deformation mechanisms of EB-PBF titanium alloys. • EB-PBF TC11 alloy shows lamellar α and intergranular β phases with Burgers orientation and cubic β texture. • β phase content varies with temperature; 1000 °C solution treatment forms acicular α' phase after air cooling. • ASBs appear in as-deposited/900°C-treated samples post-compression, causing failure by microvoids and crack propagation. • Dynamic compression deformation: dislocation accumulation, grain rotation, tensile twin nucleation, growth and extension.