Ballistic impact testing of AA2219 aluminium alloy welded plates and their metallurgical characterisation

Abstract

Ballistic impact experiments were conducted on 6.4 mm and 7.8 mm thick aluminium alloy AA 2219 sheets using cylindrical ballistic projectiles made of hard steel. The impact velocities varied between 380 ms^-1 and 890 ms^-1 and flash infra red technique was used to determine projectile velocity and to assure the normality of impact. The microstructural damage associated with impact was analyzed by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The microstructure consisted of adiabatic shear bands formed in an extremely short time by the combined effects of the highly localized shear deformation and the high temperature rise that occurred within the shear bands. Scanning electron microscopy revealed features of typical melting within the band.