High Density Amorphous Metal Matrix Composites for Kinetic Energy Penetrators

Abstract

Abstract : The aims of the project were to acquire metallic based amorphous metal alloy powder, consolidate the powder into bulk structural amorphous metal (SAM), blend the amorphous powder with crystalline Ta or W powders and consolidate the blends into bulk amorphous metal matrix particulate composite. Under proper consolidation conditions the SAM and SAM matrix composites were expected to exhibit shear localization under high strain rate conditions, the preferred failure mechanism in kinetic energy penetrator material. The results for amorphous Vitreloy 106a powder show that essentially full density can be achieved after one ECAE pass at temperatures of Tg and higher. Significant particle-to-particle bonding is evident from optical microscopy, Vickers microhardness indentations, mechanical testing and SEM analysis. Retention of amorphous character in the consolidate is demonstrated by XRD, DSC and shear banding. Effective consolidation is a result of the combined action of compaction and simple shear caused by the ECAE process. The results demonstrate that ECAE is a viable processing method for producing bulk amorphous metal (BAM) and BAM matrix crystalline metal particulate composites. 14.