Microstructure characterization of 7055-T6, 6061-T6511 and 7A52-T6 Al alloys subjected to ballistic impact against heavy tungsten alloy projectile

A spray formed 7055 Al alloy, and traditional formed 6061 Al and 7A52 Al alloy were subjected to extrusion. Later 7055Al and 7A52 treated with T6 and 6061 Al treated with T6511 heat treatment. To investigate the microstructure evolution by optical microscopy (OM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron back scattering diffraction (EBSD) and X-rays diffraction pattern (XRD) analysis were employed to observe the variation in mechanical properties and damages patterns of single layered aluminum alloys impacted by heavy tungsten alloy (WHA) projectile. During impact a substantial increase in temperature inside the target material caused melting on crater wall. The hard metastable intermetallic compound and pores were produced on penetration path owing to diffusion of projectile particles and rapid melt re-solidification. These compounds enhance the hardness (600-650 HV0.1/10) in the middle deformed channels of 7055 Al alloy target. In addition, small size pores, whirl-pool and white adiabatic shear bands were observed in 7A52 and 6061 Al alloys, respectively. The variation in hardness and microstructure of Al alloys target was limited within the 2 mm area from the perforation path. 7055-T6 Al alloy has demonstrated better ballistic protection in terms of strength, mass efficiency (N), depth of penetration (DOP) and penetration path diameter in comparison of other Al alloys.