Abstract
This paper outlines a simple technique to establish rate dependent stress-strain properties for metallic materials. The materials considered are commercially pure copper and mild steel. The deformation of materials at high strain rate leads to the conversion of mechanical energy into heat. The temperature rise produced during these processes can be significant and can lead to phase transformation. A combined experimental and numerical technique has been used to establish the one-dimensional constitutive equation, which takes account of the effects of strain, strain hardening, strain rate, inertia, and temperature.