Failure Analysis of AM2 Airfield Matting for Engineer Research and Development Center

Simmons, L., Prabhu, R., & Doude, M. (2009). Failure Analysis of AM2 Airfield Matting for Engineer Research and Development Center. CAVS Extension Technical Reports.

Extruded 6061 T6 Al alloy is the material used for the AM2 airfield matting produced by the ERDC. The AM2 mats are failing in the same location, so the ERDC would like to improve the mats working life. Physical testing and damage modeling were carried out on the joints on the AM2 matting. Our testing and modeling indicate that fatigue is the primary failure mechanism associated with the recurring failure of the AM2 matting. We would also like to recommend decreasing a stress concentration point by increasing the radius at a joint and experimenting with 7075 T6 alloy to increase the strength and reduce fatigue.