Modeling the effect of laser heating on the strength and failure of 7075-T6 aluminum

The effect of rapid laser heating on the response of 7075-T6 aluminum has been characterized using 3-D digital image correlation and a series of thermocouples. The experimental results indicate that as the samples are held under a constant load, the heating from the laser profile causes non-uniform temperature and strain fields, and the strain-rate increases dramatically as the sample nears failure. Simulations have been conducted using the LLNL multi-physics code ALE3D, and compared to the experiments. The strength and failure of the material was modeled using the Johnson-Cook strength and damage models. In order to capture the response, a dual-condition criterion was utilized which calibrated one set of parameters to low temperature quasi-static strain rate data, while the other parameter set is calibrated to high temperature high strain rate data. The thermal effects were captured using temperature dependent thermal constants and invoking thermal transport with conduction, convection, and thermal radiation.