Experimental and Numerical Study of Ballistic Resistance of Composites Based on Sandwich Metallic Foams

Abstract

In recent years, hybrid composite materials are of increasing interest during the search for new materials to be used as ballistic barriers (shields) and kinetic energy absorbers. The main objective of this study is to test the energy absorption capacity of Zn-Al alloys filled with various polymer materials (epoxy resin, polyurethane resin and silicone). The ballistic resistance of modern hybrid materials to direct firing of a 5.56 × 45 mm SS109 projectile and during quasi-static piercing test is examined. Next, a numerical simulation in the ABAQUS environment is performed. In order to accurately reproduce the foam structure, a computed microtomography (CT) system is used. In the simulation of deformations of viscoplastic bodies, the Lagrange and Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamic (SPH) methods are applied. The obtained results from numerical analyses are verified with experimental results. Metallic foams are proven to have only a remote influence on the impact load, while, when filled with polyurethane resin, they show resistance to the overshoot. Performed simulation supports the detailed analysis of the impact energy dissipation for each of the samples.

A Comparative Study of the Feasibility of Cellular MAX Phase Preforms Formation by Microwave-Assisted SHS and SPS Techniques

“…Microwave-assisted SHS synthesis was conducted in the microwave reactor [21], for which other processing details were described elsewhere [22][23][24]. Whole reaction took place in the inert Ar atmosphere.…”

“…Molten metal at the temperature of 770°C was pressurized under the pressure of 90 MPa onto the ceramic preform for 1 min. Other experimental details for the manufacturing of composite materials with the use of squeeze casting infiltration were described in previous works of the Authors [23][24].…”

“…The MAX phase SHS synthesis in Ti-Al-C system, for which the exemplary temperature vs time dependences were presented in previous papers of the Authors [22][23][24], starts instantaneously when the melting point of Al is attained (660-670°C). Subsequently, two intermediate phases are being formed during highly exothermic reactions: liquid Al-Ti phase and TiC carbides.…”

Mechanical Energy Absorption Ability of Titanium-Based Porous Structures Produced by Various Powder Metallurgy Approaches

“…Metallic materials with controlled porosities are characterized by a number of unique physical and mechanical properties, due to which they are widely used in various fields-from filters to impact energy-absorbing systems [1][2][3][4]. A wide range of different technological approaches are used to obtain such materials: foaming of liquid metals, laser printing with metallic powder, powder metallurgy method including employment of removable space holders [2][3][4][5][6].…”

“…Metallic materials with controlled porosities are characterized by a number of unique physical and mechanical properties, due to which they are widely used in various fields-from filters to impact energy-absorbing systems [1][2][3][4]. A wide range of different technological approaches are used to obtain such materials: foaming of liquid metals, laser printing with metallic powder, powder metallurgy method including employment of removable space holders [2][3][4][5][6]. The last method, powder metallurgy with space holders, is the simplest and most versatile, allowing one to obtain materials with porosities of more than 80%, high specific strength, and sufficient strain values when tested with different deformation rates.…”