Abstract: Variable strain rate tension tests for 4 metallic materials show that as the strain rate in creases the strain hardening exponent n decreases. The trend follows a two stage linear relation between n and Ig (?). When (?) < (?)cp, i.e. under quasi-static loading, n can be considered as a constant, but when (?)>(?)cp, n decreases rapidly till an ideal plastic state. n = 0. The characterizations and mechanisms of softening induced by high (?) are discussed.

Key words: strain rate, strain hardening, exponent, metallic material