Ballistic Response of Chromium/Chromium-Sulfide Cermets

Abstract

In the present study, the ballistic response of chromium/chromium-sulfide cermet, a microstructural ceramic-metal composite, was investigated. The chromium/chromium-sulfide cermet was manufactured using self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, a process wherein the material is created under a self-sustaining combustion reaction between the chromium and sulfur. This type of synthesis allows the creation of near-net shape structures and offers the possibility of tuning material properties and material behavior by changing the reactant composition. High-speed ballistic impact (&1460 m/s) of samples with initial molar ratios of Cr:S ranging from 1.15:1 to 4:1 exhibited a transition in response from purely brittle to quasi-ductile when the molar ratio was at and above 3:1. Microscopy of the impacted samples revealed that this ductility was sustained by significant deformation of metal chromium particles supported in the matrix of chromium-sulfide ceramic. Ballistic depth of penetration experiments at &1715 m/s using thin cermet samples facing a polyethylene cylinder showed a weak dependence of residual penetration on molar ratio.

Assessment of the Impact Resistance of a Composite Material with EN AW-7075 Matrix Reinforced with α-Al2O3 Particles Using a 7.62 × 39 mm Projectile

“…The mechanisms of deformation and cracking were analysed both in quasi-static tests and in dynamic loads. Loiseau et al [32] studied the ballistic response of Cr/CrS cermets as a function of chromium metal content under two ballistic test conditions. In the first experimental set, thin cermet samples (thickness 3.5 mm) were wholly enclosed in a metal anvil and hit with small steel balls at a speed of 1460 m/s.…”

Lateral stress evolution in chromium sulfide cermets with varying excess chromium

“…1), CrS is the only continuous material common to both samples, as the chromium regions are discretely distributed within the cermet. The addition of chromium does provide some level of increased plasticity within the samples, which was shown to be beneficial under ballistic loading 20 , however there is relatively no influence of the chromium to the dynamic strength of the material, as seen in the present study. Despite the expected influence of the excess chromium regions on the dynamic strength, the results indicate that the interconnected CrS regions dominate the strength of the samples at these elevated strain rates.…”

“…Increasing the excess chromium content on a molar ratio basis from 1.15:1 to 4:1 resulted in increases to the Vickers hardness (225 to 305 HV), flexural strength (444 to 727 MPa), Young's modulus (115 to 186 GPa), and fracture toughness (2.36 to 4.12 MPa•m 1 2 ). The coincidental increase in strength, hardness, and toughness is desirable for ballistic applications and results in a reduction of the depth of penetration with increasing chromium content while maintaining a constant areal density 20 . An analy-sis of the impacted CrS samples showed evidence of an increase in the ductility of these material systems with increasing chromium content.…”

Celebrating 75 Years of the Society for Experimental Mechanics and the Study of Dynamic Behavior of Materials

“…The journal is highly international, publishing experimental and theoretical studies of metals [57], polymers [58], glasses [59], composites [60], granular materials [61], explosives [62], biological materials [63], geological materials [64], phase transitions [65], and structural response [66]. The journal includes application and development of techniques including split Hopkinson pressure bar/Kolsky bar [67], plate impact with light gas guns and powder guns [68], Taylor Anvil [69], Dynamic-TensileExtrusion [70], spectroscopy-and pyrometry-based shock temperature measurements [71], optical and X-ray imaging methods [72], interferometry and velocimetry techniques [73], dynamic fracture [74], laser based dynamic drivers [75], penetration and ballistics [76], equation of state [77], and spall failure [78].…”