Material design for ballistic applications: A numerical analysis of surface reinforced AA6061-T6 metal matrix composite

Abstract

Several studies have been carried out to develop lightweight materials with enhanced ballistic properties to develop appropriate armor shields for the military to increase system mobility while maintaining safety. Of all the lightweight materials, aluminum is the better alternative because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, stiffness, resistance to corrosion, etc. Ballistic protection against projectiles can be aided further with the help of suitable ceramics. They combine relatively high strength and elastic modulus with high-temperature capability and general freedom from environmental attack, making them attractive as reinforcements in high-temperature structural materials. AA6061-T6 is considered the most commercially available of all aluminum alloys and has better impact toughness properties. Therefore, this research focuses mainly on evaluating the ballistic protection of the AA6061-T6 with 18 mm thickness using different reinforcements. Numerical analysis was conducted initially on the monolithic AA6061-T6 18 mm thickness plate and then with the 3 mm ceramic plate at the front and the base as 15 mm thick monolithic AA6061-T6 plate and evaluated the ballistic resistance individually. Finally, different reinforcements are induced in the top 3 mm thick AA6061-T6 layer and the base as the 15 mm thick AA6061-T6 plate and compared with the ceramic armor plates. The results revealed a prominent residual velocity after the bullet perforation into the target armor plate.