Effects of Two Different Dynamic Loading Conditions on Spall and Damage of 7075 Aluminum Alloy

The fracture behaviors of the 7075 aluminum alloy under two different dynamic loading conditions are investigated by means of a light-gas gun. The fracture surfaces obtained in the spall test are compared to the fracture surfaces obtained with a blunt projectile struck to the aluminum alloy plate. Optical and scanning electron microscopes are used in the investigation. For the plate-impact test, spall of the target was attributed to intergranular fracture caused by the tensile stress. The fracture behavior during projectile penetration is complex and consists of several fracture modes in addition to that the fracture is also of dynamic character. The penetration process of aluminum alloy target included: plugging stage, the microcracks nucleation stage, and the final tensile fracture stage. Mixed intergranular brittle/ductile fracture was observed, and brittle fracture played a dominate role.