Characterization of 2024-T351 Aluminum for Dynamic Loading Applications

The deformation (plastic) and failure of 2024-T351 is studied under a wide range of loading conditions. Uniaxial tension and compression tests and pure shear tests have been conducted over a wide range of strain rates. The results show no significant strain rate effect on plastic deformation up to strain rate of about 2000s^–1. Surface finish in tensile test has a noticeable effect on the strain to failure. Specimens with a rougher finish failed at a smaller strain than specimens with a smooth finish. Equivalent stress strain plots from tension, compression and shear tests do not coincide, which indicate that a plasticity model (either time independent or time dependent) that is based on J-2 flow theory will not be suitable for modeling the plastic deformation of the material. All the specimens that were tested were machined from plates. Specimens for tensile tests were machined in different orientations relative to the rolling direction of the plates. The results show that the plates have anisotropic properties with regard to plasticity and failure. Initially round cylindrical specimens tested in compression ended up with an elliptical cross sectional area. The objective of the testing program is to generate accurate and diverse data that will be used for developing accurate plasticity and failure models that will be incorporated in numerical codes that are used for simulations of impact events.