Shock-Induced Localized Amorphization in Boron Carbide
Abstract
High-resolution electron microscope observations of shock-loaded boron carbide have revealed the formation of nanoscale intragranular amorphous bands that occur parallel to specific crystallographic planes and contiguously with apparent cleaved fracture surfaces. This damage mechanism explains the measured, but not previously understood, decrease in the ballistic performance of boron carbide at high impact rates and pressures. The formation of these amorphous bands is also an example of how shock loading can result in the synthesis of novel structures and materials with substantially altered properties.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Pub Defense Publication
- Publication Date
- Mar 07, 2003
- Source ID
- 10.1126/science.1080819
Entities
People
- James W. McCauley
- Kevin J. Hemker
- Mingwei Chen
Organizations
- Johns Hopkins University
- United States Army Research Laboratory