Microstructure characteristic of spray formed 7055 Al alloy subjected to ballistic impact by two different steel core projectiles impact

Abstract

7055 aluminium (Al) alloy was synthesized by spray forming followed by hot extrusion, later subjected to (T6 & T74) aging treatments and its mechanical properties were examined. To investigate the ballistic behavior of the semi-infinite aluminum alloy target material, ballistic test with two different types of projectiles 7.62 mm soft steel core and 7.62 mm armor-piercing hard steel core projectiles were carried out. Excellent mechanical properties such as; higher strength UTS 708 MPa, fracture to elongation 12.8% and hardness 240 HV were achieved in the T6 condition owing to the MgZn2 phase and Al3Zr strengthening particles. Ballistic performance of the 7055-T6 target was superior to the T74 heat treated condition in terms of depth of penetration, crater diameter, strength, ductility and hardness. The target materials were deformed seriously against armor-piercing hard steel projectile impact as compared to soft steel core projectile. The microstructure was modified within the 1–1.5 mm area from the crater wall. The spray formed Al alloy have a good combination of strength and ballistic performance under the T6 heat treatment condition in comparison of T74 and other alloys produced by conventional forming methods.