Effect of V-shaped Side Groove on Shear Lips Formation of Aluminium Alloy 6061 by Charpy Impact Test

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of V-shaped side grooves on shear lip formation in aluminium alloy 6061 through Charpy impact testing. Aluminium is used in machines and industry as a structural component due to its mechanical properties, lightweight characteristics, easy fabrication, and high specific strength. The presence of a V-shaped side groove alters the stress distribution during impact, potentially influencing the deformation behaviour and fracture characteristics of the material. In this work, the impact tests were conducted on specimens with and without a V-shaped side groove, and the resulting shear lips formation was analysed. The findings reveal that the V-shaped side groove minimises shear lip formation compared to specimens without side grooves. This can be attributed to the surface morphology, which shows a lesser shear lip area with an increasing side groove depth ratio. A smaller shear lips area in Charpy impact tests signifies reduced plastic deformation near the groove or notch region. It indicates the material’s fracture characteristic has lower ductility and limited ability to deform plastically before a fracture occurs. This implies decreased energy absorption capacity, equated to impact energy, and an increased likelihood of brittle fracture behaviour as the side groove depth ratio increases. The micrograph of the fracture surface shows dimples, shear, and cleavage patterns.