SEDL / STP / STP1111-EB / STP17764S

Reaction Sensitivities of Al-Li Alloys and Alloy 2219 in Mechanical-Impact Tests

Simon, NJ
physicistphysical scientistconsultantAerospace Engineer, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNISTWhite Sands Test Facility, BoulderLas Cruces, CONM

McColskey, JD
physicistphysical scientistconsultantAerospace Engineer, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNISTWhite Sands Test Facility, BoulderLas Cruces, CONM

Reed, RP
physicistphysical scientistconsultantAerospace Engineer, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNISTWhite Sands Test Facility, BoulderLas Cruces, CONM

Gracia-Salcedo, CM
physicistphysical scientistconsultantAerospace Engineer, National Institute of Standards and TechnologyNISTWhite Sands Test Facility, BoulderLas Cruces, CONM

Pages: 23    Published: Jan 1991

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Abstract

Open-cup and pressurized mechanical impact tests were conducted at White Sands Test Facility (WSTF) on Al-Li alloys (2090, 8090, and WL049) and Al alloy 2219 in various tempers. Pressure, drop height (potential energy), and environment [gaseous (GOX) or liquid (LOX)] oxygen were variables in the test program.

Reactions were detected in all alloys. The reaction sensitivity varied with specimen absorbed energy. Large, macroreactions occurred on specimen shear lips, a region that has very high deformation and is exposed to striker pin-specimen friction. Small microreactions occurred over many areas of the specimen. The effects of the test variables (pressure, drop height, LOX, GOX) on the frequency of macro- and micro-reations are discussed. The energy for fracture is usually less than, or equal to, the energy for (oxygen) reaction.