ABSTRACT
Metal matrix composite (MMC) materials used for a wide range of construction elements can also be used in making armour. In this work, failures and damages of Al-7075 material composed of SiC particle reinforcements were investigated after ballistic impact.
Metal matrix composite samples were manufactured by squeeze casting method. The reinforcing particles in the matrix material have 20 % volume fraction and in average size of 350 μm. After the reinforcements were incorporated in to the liquid matrix material at 800 ºC, they were stirred by a rotating rod in order to achieve the homogeneous, mixture in a steel mould having composite target dimension of 120 mm in diameter and 20 mm thickness. The composite materials at 650 ºC were solidified under the pressure of 180 MPa.
The ballistic tests of the composite targets were carried out with the 7.62 mm projectiles having velocities of 800 m/s. The distance between the targets and running position of the projectile were 15 m. Al-5083 materials were used as backing blocks during the ballistic tests.
The macrograph of the craters and holes created by high velocity projectiles are analyzed by light and scanning electron microscopy studies. After the ballistic test, deep craters on the both sides of the target surfaces and some damages such a petalling, bulging and cracking were observed at the entrance and exits of the hole on the targets.