High-power laser shock-induced dynamic fracture of aluminum and microscopic observation of samples

High-power laser induced shocks generated by “ShenGuang II” laser facility has been used to study spall fracture of polycrystalline aluminum at strain rates more than 106/s. The free surface velocity histories of shock-loaded samples, 150 μm thick and with initial temperature from 293 K to 873 K, have been recorded using velocity interferometer system for any reflector (VISAR). From the free surface velocity profile, spall strength and yield stress are calculated, it demonstrates that spall strength will decline and yield strength increase with initial temperature. The loaded samples are recovered to obtain samples' section and free surface metallographic pictures through Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy. It is found that there are more micro-voids and more opportunity to appear bigger voids near the spall plane and the grain size increases with temperature slowly but smoothly except the sharply change at 893 K (near melting point). Besides, the fracture mechanisms change from mainly intergranular fracture to transgranular fracture with the increase of initial temperature.