Validation Testing and Numerical Modeling of Advanced Armor Materials

Abstract

This report documents a preliminary experimental, analytical, and modeling effort for validating a numerical approach using constitutive material strength response with an appropriate yield surface model. The research is sub-divided into three areas: engineering design and specimen preparation for Taylor impact testing, analytical solution for the dynamic yield strength of the materials used, and numerical modeling of the Taylor impact test for validation of a simplified constitutive response model. The material of interest is called metal matrix composite (MMC) and consist of a strengthening component embedded in an aluminum alloy matrix. For this study, we perform Taylor impact tests on a unique, lightweight aluminum-based MMC. We compare the observed deformation with results obtained from companion experiments using specimens made from 6061-T6 aluminum alloy only. We perform a detailed analysis of the deformed specimen shapes to determine the dynamic yield strength. Additionally, hydrocode simulations of the Taylor impact test using material models appropriate for the specimen material types are performed and compared to experimental data for model validation. This work provides the foundation for developing and validating robust MMC material models that may ultimately lead to innovative lightweight armor concepts.

Open PDF

Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Nov 01, 2012
Accession Number
ADA571613

Entities

People

  • Stephan R. Bilyk
  • Thomas A. Bjerke

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Aluminum
  • Aluminum Alloys
  • Composite Materials
  • Engineering
  • Experimental Data
  • Geometry
  • Impact Tests
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Materials
  • Materials Science
  • Mechanics
  • Metal Matrix Composites
  • Microscopy
  • Simulations
  • Test Methods
  • Yield Strength

Fields of Study

  • Engineering
  • Materials science

Readers

  • Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD)
  • Mechanical Engineering/Mechanics of Materials.
  • Powder metallurgy of Titanium alloys.