Ballistic Studies on TiB2-Ti Functionally Graded Armor Ceramics

Neha Gupta; Bikramjit Basu; V.V Bhanu Prasad; Madhu Vemuri

doi:10.14429/dsj.62.2666

Neha Gupta Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur
Bikramjit Basu Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur
V.V Bhanu Prasad Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad
Madhu Vemuri Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad

DOI: https://doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.2666

Keywords: TiB2-Ti FGM, SPS, depth of penetration, ballistic efficiency, fractography

Abstract

The objective of this paper is to discuss the results of the ballistic testing of the spark plasma sintered TiB₂-Ti based functionally graded materials (FGMs) with an aim to assess their performance in defeating small-calibre armor piercing projectiles. We studied the efficacy of FGM design and compared its ballistic properties with those of TiB₂-based composites as well as other competing ceramic armors. The ballistic properties are critically analyzed in terms of depth of penetration, ballistic efficiency, fractographs of fractured surfaces as well as quantification of the shattered ceramic fragments. It was found that all the investigated ceramic compositions exhibit ballistic efficiency (η) of 5.1 -5.9. We also found that by increasing the thickness of FGM from 5mm to 7.8 mm, the ballistic property of the composite degraded. On comparing the results with available armor systems, it has been concluded that TiB₂ based composites show better ballistic properties except B₄C. SEM analysis of the fragments showed that the FGM fractured by mixed mode of failure.

Defence Science Journal, 2012, 62(6), pp.382-389, DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.14429/dsj.62.2666

Author Biographies

Neha Gupta, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur

Ms Neha Gupta obtained her undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, both in Materials Science in Engineering from Punjab Technical University, Jalandhar and Thapar University, Patiala (Punjab) in 2005 and 2007, respectively. is a research scholar at Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IITK) since January 2010. She also worked as Assistant Manager at Trident (Process & Quality Control) for more than two years and at MEMS Lab, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore for four months.

Bikramjit Basu, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur

Dr Velidandla Venkata Bhanu Prasad obtained his PhD in Powder Metallurgy from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. He is presently working as Scientist ‘G’ at the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), Hyderabad. He heads the Ceramics and Composites Group and works in the area of development of various types of ceramics and ceramic matrix composites for defence applications. He is a recipient of the Andhra Pradesh Scientist Award in the Year 2005 and DMRL Technology Group Award (as team leader) in 2010. He has more than 60 research papers and technical publications to his credit. His research interests are in the area of Aluminium and Titanium Matrix composites, Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide (RBSC) and Boron carbide (RBBC), synthesis and consolidation of Ultra High Temperature Ceramics (UHTCs) and Cf-C-SiC & Cf-SiC composites for defence applications.

V.V Bhanu Prasad, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad

Dr Vemuri Madhu obtained his PhD in Applied Mechanics from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi. He also worked as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at University of California, Los Angeles, USA. He is presently working as Scientist ‘G’ at the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory(DMRL), Hyderabad. He heads the composite armour design and development group and works in the areas of development of ceramic and composite armour materials and systems for various types of protective platforms. He is a recipient of the DRDO Performance Excellence Award in 2008 (as a team member), Laboratory Scientist of the Year Award in 2006 and National Technology Day Award in 2003. He has more than 50 research papers and technical publications to his credit. His research interests are in the areas of ceramic and composite armour development, modelling and simulation of ballistic phenomena, high strain rate characterisation of materials, shock and blast studies on armour materials and development of protective systems for military and civil applications.

Madhu Vemuri, Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, Hyderabad

Dr Bikramjit Basu obtained his PhD in Ceramics at Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium in March, 2001.Presently working as a Professor at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Kanpur. In recognition of contributions to the field of ceramic science and biomaterials science, received noteworthy awards from Indian Ceramic Society (2003), Indian National Academy of Engineering (2004), Indian National Science Academy (2005), Coble Award for Young Scholars (2008), Metallurgist of the year award (2010), NASI - SCOPUS Young Scientist Award (2010) and Materials Research Society of India (MRSI) Medal (2011). He has authored/co-authored more than 175 peer-reviewed research papers. He edited a book on Biomaterials, and authored two textbooks -Structural Ceramics and Tribology.