Development of Multi-layer Aluminum Alloys for Armor

The proposed STTR Phase I study is aimed at exploring lightweight and multi-layer materials towards enhancing their armor performance. Different Al alloys will be assembled into a two-layer configuration with good metallic bond between inter-layers. 2139-T8 Al alloy evolved by efforts of Alcan and the Army Research Laboratory will be selected as one of the layers in the laminated assembly. 5083, 7xxx and 3003 will be the second layer alloys for trials. Different two-layer plates will be processed by hot rolling, and the resulting roll-bonded laminates will be suitably heat treated. In addition to their quasi-static and dynamic testing, ballistic tests of each of the laminates will be performed to obtain their V50 properties. For each plate, ballistic tests will be conducted such that the striking side of the projectile successively includes each of the two sides of plate. Following testing, the microstructural damage will be assessed to understand the structure-property correlations. Computational analysis of the layered materials will be carried out, and the experimental results will be compared with the predictions of computer modeling. Finally, the feasibility of this layered material approach towards improving ballistic response will be determined by this study.