Warm Forming Al-Mg Alloy Armor Plates
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for forming aluminum-magnesium (Al-Mg) alloy armor plates into complex shapes compromise ballistic properties and require extensive welding, which can be weak points under ballistic impact.
Innovation Solution
A method of shaping Al-Mg alloy plates with a gauge of at least 10 mm into two- or three-dimensional structures through plastic deformation at temperatures between 200° C and 400° C, using processes like bending, pressing, or stretch-forming, while maintaining the plate's gauge and avoiding significant thickness reduction or recrystallization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If cold working operations are used to form Al-Mg alloy plates, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the alloy's ballistic properties deteriorate due to excessive cold work hardening and loss of ductility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cold working (room temperature) to warm working (200-400°C). This temperature elevation modifies the material's flow stress characteristics and ductility, enabling complex forming operations while preserving the alloy's ballistic properties by avoiding excessive cold work hardening.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies a preliminary heating treatment before forming operations to prepare the material for warm working. This pre-heating to 200-400°C ensures the alloy has optimal ductility and formability before the forming process, preventing defects while maintaining ballistic performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex three-dimensional shapes are required for armor plates, then adaptability is improved, but extensive welding is required which creates weak points under ballistic impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses warm working temperature (200-400°C) to enable the forming of complex three-dimensional shapes in a single monolithic piece. This thermal parameter change provides the ductility needed for complex geometries without requiring subsequent welding operations, thereby eliminating weld-induced weak points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple forming operations into a single warm working process. By performing bending, stretching, and shaping operations at elevated temperature in one integrated process, the patent creates complex shapes without requiring multiple separate operations that would necessitate welding between components.
3Manufacturing precision
If cold rolling reduction is increased to achieve desired thickness, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the alloy loses ductility and ballistic properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temperature parameter from cold to warm working (200-400°C) to achieve thickness control. At this elevated temperature, the alloy exhibits improved ductility and reduced flow stress, allowing for precise thickness control through warm rolling without the excessive work hardening and ductility loss associated with cold rolling.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This method allows for the creation of armor plates with preserved ballistic properties and reduced weld usage, enhancing the survivability of armoured vehicles by forming complex shapes without compromising their protective capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
shaping by means of plastic deformation said alloy plate at a temperature in a range of 200° C. to 400° C. to obtain a predetermined two- or three-dimensional formed structure
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method of forming an AlMg alloy armor plate product, and comprising the steps of: (i) providing a plate product having a gauge of at least 10 mm and a chemical composition, in wt. %: Mg 2.5% to 6%, Mn 0 to 1.2%, Sc 0 to 1%, Ag 0 to 0.5%, Zn 0 to 2%, Cu 0 to 2%, Li 0 to 3%, optionally at least one or more elements selected from the group consisting of (Zr 0.03% to 0.4%, Cr 0.03% to 0.4%, and Ti 0.005% to 0.3%), Fe 0 to 0.4%, Si 0 to 0.25%, inevitable impurities and balance aluminum, and (ii) shaping said alloy plate at a temperature in a range of 200° C. to 400° C. to obtain a predetermined two- or three-dimensional formed structure.