The Influence of Temperature in the Al 2024-T3 Aluminum Plates Subjected to Impact: Experimental and Numerical Approaches

In this paper, perforation experiments were carried out and numerically modelled in order to analyze the response of 2024-T3 aluminum alloy plates under different initial temperatures T(0). This alloy has a particular relevance since it is widely used as a structural component in aircrafts, but it is also interesting for other sectors of industry. A gas gun projectile launcher was used to perform impacts within initial velocities V(0) from 40 m/s to 120 m/s and at temperatures varying from 293 K to 573 K. A temperature softening of the material was observed which was manifested in the reduction in the ballistic limit by 10% within the temperature range studied. Changes in the material failure mode were also observed at different test conditions. Additionally, a finite element model was developed to predict the material response at high velocities and to confirm the temperature softening that was observed experimentally. An optimization of the failure criterion resulted in a reliable model for such mild aluminum alloys. The results reported here may be used for different applications in the automotive and military sectors.