Ballistic Damage Characteristics and Fracture Toughness of Laminated Aluminum 7049-T73 and Titanium 6Al-4V Alloys

摘要

The purpose of this research study was to define the degradation of metal laminate structural properties resulting from damage by 12.7-mm API projectiles fired at 1600 feet per second. Materials investigated were Al-7049 and Ti-6Al-4V laminates ranging from 0.100 to 0.400 inch in nominal thickness. Data to be presented and discussed include fracture toughness (KQ and W/A) as a function of laminate thickness, plus a characterization of the ballistic damage and residual strength of the various laminates. Results indicate that laminate thickness over the range studied has little or no effect on the fracture toughness of either Al-7049 or Ti-6Al-4V. The ballistic penetration mechanism for both alloys was by petalling and in general the damage increased as a function of laminate thickness. (Author)