<i>In situ</i> synchrotron imaging reveals interfacial-constraint-driven fracture transition in Ti/Al layered composites under dynamic tension

Interfacial constraints are critical for achieving the strength-ductility synergy in layered materials. However, their effectiveness under dynamic loading conditions remains insufficiently understood. In this study, we investigated the deformation behavior of Ti/Al layered composites under Hopkinson tensile loading using in situ synchrotron imaging. Our results demonstrate that the presence of interfaces continues to influence the fracture processes of the layered composite even at strain rates as high as 103 s−1, accompanied by a transition in the fracture mode from necking to 45° shear fracture in the Ti layers. These findings significantly contribute to the understanding of the dynamic behavior of heterogeneous layered materials and highlight the potential of interfacial design strategies in enhancing structural performance under extreme conditions.