Dynamic strength of aluminum single crystals at melting

Results of measurements of dynamic tensile strength ("spall strength") of a luminum single crystals are presented. In the shock-wave experiments the lo ad duration was about 40 ns, the initial temperature was varied from 20 to 648 degrees C that is only 12 degrees C less than the melting temperature o f aluminum. Under these conditions the dynamic tensile strength of aluminum single crystals has been found practically independent on the temperature up to similar to 630 degrees C. The spall strength slightly decreases at fu rther increase in the initial temperature up to 648 degrees C. The high-tem perature data exceed estimated stresses at which melting should start in a stretched material. (C) 2000 American Institute of Physics. [S0003- 6951(00 )04722-7].