Al/Al2O3 Metal Matrix Composites (MMCs) and Macrocomposites for Armor Applications
Abstract
Metal matrix composites (MMCs) combine the desirable characteristics of metals (ductility and thermal conductivity) and ceramics (high hardness, high stiffness, low thermal expansion). In this study, Al/Al2O3 MMCs with alumina particle contents ranging from 12% to 46% were fabricated by different processing approaches. Microstructures and properties (density, elastic modulus, tensile strength, ductility failure strain, and thermal expansion) of these MMCs were characterized. Al/Al2O3 MMCs showed higher ductility than Al/SiC MMCs. As the measured ductility was still less than that necessary for multi - hit armor applications, a macrocomposite concept was developed. This concept uses incorporation of high - strength, higher - CTE (coefficient of thermal expansion) ductile macroscopic reinforcements in the MMC to induce residual compressive stress in the MMCs with an intent of enhancing ductility. Numerical modeling on an example macrocomposite system showed that residual compressive stresses can indeed be generated. Specimens were designed to test the numerical predictions and generate data for designing a macrocomposite system. A process was developed and applied successfully to fabricate the macrocomposite specimens.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA588123
Entities
People
- Brandon McWilliams
- Eric M. Klier
- Matthew Watkins
- Michael Aghajanian
- Prashant Karandikar
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory