Investigation of ceramic particles and fibre reinforced functionally graded metal matrix composites for blast and ballistic armour protection

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The major security concern shifted from the threat of powerful enemy armies to that of agile small armed groups since September 11, 2001. This led to a shift in armour research towards more lightweight, mobile and versatile systems. Conventional materials such as steels are heavy and often fail by adiabatic shear band formation. Also, the current laminate design made of a hard threat defeating front plate attached to a more ductile backing plate generally results in heavy systems and impedance effects at interfaces. Therefore, the objective of the proposed research is to investigate functionally graded ceramic-particles and fibre reinforced metal matrix composites. In these functionally graded composites, hardness and strength gradually decrease while ductility and toughness gradually increase from the front impact face to the back face. As fibres are known to increase the toughness of ceramics, it is hypothesised that they can also improve the toughness of ceramic-metal composites that usually show relatively low toughness. In the proposed functionally graded design, ceramic particle and fibre volume fraction and size will be varied from the front impact face to the back face. The effects of particle and fibre type, size and distribution will be studied. We will initially focus on laboratory scale sample production using squeeze casting and powder metallurgy. Testing will include compression, tensile, torsion, bending, Charpy impact and Hopkinson compression and torsion bar tests. Impact events will be modelled using finite element method (ABAQUS) and meshless simulation. Later in the project, ballistic tests will be performed in collaboration with National Research Council (NRC) and Defence Research Development Canada (DRDC). The main novelty of this work is the combination of nano-ceramic particle with carbon fibre reinforcement in functionally grade materials. The work will contribute to improving the understanding of deformation, shear band formation and damage mechanisms in armours during blast and ballistic impact events. It will help improve armour materials and contribute to improving security for society and military personnel in Canada and abroad.