Figure 2. Application of load to specimens during the static test
Impact Tests
Impact tests were carried out using CEAST Fractovis Plus impact test equipment with a capacity of 1800 Joules and a 22 kN load cell. A 12.7 mm diameter steel hemispherical strike face, weighing 5120 grams, was used during these tests. Tests were done at 5 Joule and 10 Joule impact energies. During the impact, upper and lower supports of 76 mm in diameter were used to hold the specimen. The impact test procedure and the results obtained can be seen in reference 30. Figure 3 shows the post-damage images of specimens 6AL10a, 6AL10b and 6AL10c specimens that were subjected to a low velocity impact test with 5 Joules of impact energy.