DYNAMIC COMPACTION OF AL-LI-X POWDER OBTAINED BY A ROTATING ELECTRODEPROCESS

The microstructures of dynamically compacted Al-Li-X powders obtained by the rotating electrode process were studied. Dynamic compaction was carried out using a LEXAN projectile whose velocity was 1520 m s-1 an d the dynamic pressure obtained in the area of the (pseudo) planar sho ck wave was 7.1 GPa. Strong bonding between Al-Li-X particles with a t hin melted contact zone was observed after dynamic compaction. Coarse particles had fewer interparticle contacts, but the contacts were stro nger than for small particles. In the first layer of the sample in the area of (pseudo) planar shock wave the presence of 0.44 pores mm-2 an d a total porosity of 4.6% were detected by quantitative metallography . Interparticle bonding was not detected in the first particle layer i n the area affected by the release wave.