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Processing and ballistic performance of lightweight armors based on ultra-fine-grain aluminum composites

  • Ultrafine-Grained Materials
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Abstract

Over last few decades, Al-based metal matrix composites (MMCs) have become a promising material of choice for lightweight armors in vehicles. Recent development in ultra-fine-grain and nanostructured material technology provides a new opportunity for the substantial strength enhancement of MMCs unattainable with the conventional microstructure of microscale, leading to significant weight reduction in armor packages. In this article, we will present the latest development of a novel class of nanostructured metal matrix composites (NMMCs) based on submicron SiC particulates reinforced nanocrystalline Al alloys. The successful fabrication of large-dimension NMMCs plates with a cost-effective synthesis and consolidation process that can be scaled up for mass production will be demonstrated. The microstructure, processing, mechanical properties, and their correlations of this class of NMMCs will also be reported. The ballistic performance of the NMMCs is investigated through a real test of high-speed machinegun bullets, and a numerical modeling as well.

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Acknowledgement

This work was funded by the U.S. Army Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) project (contract no.: W911W6-06-C-0032).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Aegis Technology Inc., 3300-A Westminster Avenue, Santa Ana, CA, 92703-1442, USA

    Timothy Zhigang Lin, Quan Yang, Chuhu Tan & Bob Liu

  2. U.S. Army Aviation and Missile Command, Bldg. 5400, Redstone Arsenal, Huntsville, AL, 35898, USA

    Adolphus McDonald

Authors
  1. Timothy Zhigang Lin
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  2. Quan Yang
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  3. Chuhu Tan
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  4. Bob Liu
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  5. Adolphus McDonald
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Correspondence to Timothy Zhigang Lin.

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Lin, T.Z., Yang, Q., Tan, C. et al. Processing and ballistic performance of lightweight armors based on ultra-fine-grain aluminum composites. J Mater Sci 43, 7344–7348 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-008-2977-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-008-2977-3

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