On the perforation process of 2024-T3 aluminium sheets subjected to low impact velocity: Effects of friction condition and initial temperature

An experimental analysis on the impact behaviour of 2024-T3 aluminium sheets is performed for initial temperatures varying from 213 K to 373 K and for impact velocities from the ballistic limit up to 4.5 m/s. The aluminium sheets are subjected to perforation by an hemispherical striker using a drop weight tower. Dry and lubricated conditions are applied to the contact striker/plate. Different failure modes depending on the friction condition used have been observed. Moreover, it was noticed that initial temperature plays a relevant role in the absorption of energy by the aluminium sheets. The increase of the material flow stress as the initial temperature decreases leads to larger amount of energy absorbed by the target. Such behaviour is relevant for aeronautical applications