Microstructure and mechanical properties of the bonding interface of explosively welded TA2/Q235 composite under dynamic shear loading

•Combined with digital image correlation technique, a novel small-size S-shaped specimen was used to evaluate the shear properties and failure mechanisms of the titanium/steel bonding interface under quasi-static and dynamic loading.•The bonding interface strength increased with increasing strain rate, showing an obvious positive strain rate effect.•The fluctuation in shear strengths and failure strain of the titanium/steel bonding interface were due to the presence of non-uniform defects, (e g. cavities, cracks and brittle intermetallic etc.) formed on the bonding interface. Those defects as discontinuities and stress concentration points would result in degraded mechanical properties.•The fracture morphology revealed ductile-brittle mixed fracture patterns under both quasi-static and dynamic strain rates.•The S-shaped specimen has proven to be effective to measure the shear properties of the bonding interface of materials with small thickness.