Experimental study on mechanical and ballistic behaviours of silicon carbide reinforced functionally graded aluminum foam composites

In this study, mechanical and ballistic properties of the aluminium 7075-based silicon carbide (SiC)-reinforced functionally graded composite materials were investigated. Al7075 and SiC powders were compressed at different temperatures using a number of different pressure parameters as part of the powder metallurgy method, and four layers of functionally graded materials (FGMs) containing SiC at ratios of 15 wt.%, 30 wt.%, 45 wt.%, and 60 wt.% were produced, respectively, at each layer. Subsequently, FGM consisting of Al7075/SiC and AA7075 series materials of AI foam were produced in combination to obtain 5-layer ready-to-foam functionally graded foam materials (FGFM). The powder metal block samples fabricated were then subjected to foaming at 750 degrees C. The resulting matrix-reinforcement interface of the FGM was examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Transverse rupture strength (TRS) and hardness tests were carried out to elucidate the mechanical properties of FGM. Ballistic tests were performed in order to determine the V-50 ballistic performance of FGM. The results showed that SiC particles were uniformly distributed in the matrix having with good interface bonding and that the hardness and TRS values were increased as the volume fraction of reinforcement increased. The highest hardness, fracture toughness and ballistic resistance were obtained the production parameters of 500 degrees C and 400 MPa. It was observed that the FGFMs absorbed the kinetic energy of the projectile with a lowest depth of penetration.