THE EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON THE SHOCK RESPONSE OF THE ALUMINIUM ALLOY, 6061.

A series of shock loading experiments have been performed on two heat-treated states of the aluminium alloy, 6061; T0, a solution treated condition, and T6, a solution treated and fully aged state. Lateral stress measurements indicate the T6 condition is stronger than TO, as would be expected. Results also indicate that the rate of hardening behind the shock front is somewhat greater in T0 than T6, indicating a shift in deformation from one based upon the generation of, and storage of dislocations, to one where the presence of intermetallic precipitates appears to inhibit dislocation generation and storage processes.