Modification and Validation of a Dynamic Indentation Test Apparatus

Abstract

Conventional hardness testing is typically used as a screening metric for material design and performance, especially in the ballistics/armor community, as there is a loose correlation of hardness with armor performance. However, the rate-sensitive behavior of many of these strategic materials is an important factor to consider when designing material systems for impact scenarios. Ergo, the invention of the dynamic indentation hardness tester (DIHT) apparatus was an important development toward measuring the high-rate hardness of these materials. The US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (CCDC) Army Research Laboratory (ARL) has recently refurbished and redesigned their DIHT unit to include aluminum striker and incident bars, an improved momentum trap assembly, and a redesigned indenter assembly. Background on the original CCDC Army Research Laboratory DIHT and its subsequent redesign and upgrade is included, as well as instructions on the operation of the new indentation apparatus. A preliminary case study was performed to demonstrate that data generated by the ARL DIHT matches literature values. Other performance metrics, aside from hardness, by which this apparatus can be used to capture high-rate performance behavior are also included.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 30, 2020
Accession Number
AD1111208

Entities

People

  • Jared C. Wright
  • Jeffrey J. Swab
  • John J. Iii Pittari
  • Ryan M. Zegarski

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Case Studies
  • Ceramic Materials
  • Crystal Structure
  • Deformation (Mechanics)
  • Load Cells
  • Materials
  • Materials Testing
  • Measurement
  • Mechanics
  • Military Research
  • Silicon Carbide
  • Static Tests
  • Strain Gages
  • Strain Rate
  • Stresses
  • Test Methods
  • Universities

Readers

  • Aerodynamics.
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.