Project Description:
We sought out to make a microlaminated metal intermetallic composite (MMIC) material that would provide superior ballistics protection performance relative to traditional metallic or ceramic armor at a low cost. A MMIC material synergistically combines the brittle fracture of intermetallic compounds with the ductile fracture of metals to dissipate the energy of a projectile. This project is intended to save lives from firearms.
After using finite element analysis to predict properties of the composite material, the objective was to use interdiffusion simulation to devise a process to fabricate the material and test material properties/ballistics protection performance.
The process involves using high heat and pressures to transform an initial layup structure of 1010 steel, aluminum, and 304 stainless steel into alternating layers of 300μm 304 stainless steel and 500μm FeAl intermetallic. Scanning electron microscopy characterization suggest that our initial small scale prototypes successfully form FeAl intermetallic stoichiometry via our processing method, with a distribution of iron and aluminum throughout the entire intermetallic region. During mock ballistics tests of prototypes, imaging also revealed distinct brittle fracture and ductile behavior of each layer, with small void interfaces present in the intermetallic region serving as crack propagation barriers.
Future plans include genuine ballistics testing of our final, large scale, prototype material. This plate is a quarter inch thick and received an endearing moniker: Big Momma.
Advisor/Instructor:
Ray PhaneufTeam Members:
| Nicholas Cohen | Materials Science and Engineering |
| Joseph Odutola | Materials Science and Engineering |
| Jason Stone | Materials Science and Engineering |
| Dennis Zhao | Materials Science and Engineering |