Prediction of the consequences of a high-velocity collision between meteoric particles and elements of a titanium alloy protective structure

Abstract

Calculation-experimental studies of a high-velocity collision between VT1-0 titanium plates and ultrafine- and coarse-grained structures with a steel spherical impactor are illustrated. Fine-grained VT1-0 titanium plate samples have been obtained using the abc pressing method. Ballistic measurements have been performed using a 30-mm smooth-bore ballistic installation at velocities of about 2500 m/s. A high-velocity collision has been calculated in the scope of an elastoplastic model of interacting materials with regard to destruction and a different phase state at velocities reaching 15 km/s. It has been indicated that the mechanical properties of the VT1-0 alloy are improved when proceeding from a coarse-grained structure to an ultrafine- grained structure; however, in this case, the result of shock loading is hardly affected in the considered velocity range. Titanium plates can be used as screens to protect the main structure of the aircraft from a high-velocity collision.