Structural features and technology of light armor composite materials with mechanism of brittle cracks localization

Introduction. Monometallic armor traditionally used in military and special equipment armaments has a number of key disadvantages that have a significant impact on the tactical and technical characteristics of the products, namely, significant weight and thickness. At the same time, composite non-metallic armors, which have been widely used recently as an alternative, in turn, are not able to withstand multiple hits in local areas of the structure due to its complete destruction or delamination. The purpose of the work: to develop the technology of obtaining a new class of multilayer metal armor materials based on light metals and alloys by explosive welding, combining high indicators of bullet resistance and structural strength along with low specific gravity. The work presents a new scheme for reinforcing the composite using explosive welding technology, which allows localizing the development of brittle cracks along interlayer boundaries with external ballistic impact on the object. Results and discussion. Reinforced composite material based on titanium and aluminum alloys is obtained by explosive welding. Rational modes of shock-wave loading, which ensure production of composite material of required quality are determined; evaluation of strength of composite is carried out. In order to improve the tactical and technical characteristics of the composite, it was proposed to form high-solid intermetallic layers in its structure due to heat treatment. Rational modes of high-temperature annealing are defined, which ensure formation of intermetallic layers of preset thickness in composite structure. The phase composition of intermetallic pro-layers is studied. Structural features of the composite material are investigated. Mechanism of brittle cracks localization in composite structure at ballistic impact on it is described.