Towards understanding the ballistic performace of ceramics

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Grey Ghost Gear of Canada (GGGC) is a manufacturer of protection products that incorporate ceramics, where their main function is to defeat incoming projectiles with their high stiffness and hardness, and subsequent ability to dissipate impact energy through fracture. In this proposed two-year project, the University of Alberta (UofA) will lead a project in collaboration with GGGC and Defence Research and Research Development Canada (DRDC) to define key microstructure and mechanical property metrics of silicon carbide (year 1) and alumina oxide (year 2) materials that exhibit superior ballistic performance. These metrics will be used during solicitations of materials from suppliers. To accomplish our objective, we pursue three tasks:.Material Characterization: Evaluate microstructural features (e.g., pores) and chemical c mpositions using Scanning Electron Microscopy tools. 2.Experimentation: Evaluate the strength, stiffness, fracture toughness, hardness, and failure behavior. We will also perform ballistic experiments at HP White on both bare tiles and armor packages, where we will track performance outcomes (e.g., defeat/not defeat, backface deformation). 3.Application of Results: Data from Task 1 and 2 will aid in the development of computational models of ceramic behavior at DRDC. These models will provide additional insights into ceramic \ performance through impact simulation. When complete, we will link ballistic performances with microstructure and mechanical property metrics through the development of test and models, and this will provide insights in the metrics that govern ballistic performance. The transfer of this research to industry will provide competitive advantages to GGGC and others in defense, aerospace, and natural resource industries who are seeking to develop next-generation materials. At the same time, this research will provide some of the most c mplete set of data on microstructure, mechanical, properties, failure, and impact performance in the literature.