Failure observation of the AZ31B magnesium alloy and the effect of lead addition content under ballistic impact

Abstract

The association of the failure behavior of the AZ31B magnesium alloy with absorption energy under ballistic impact condition was investigated in this study, as well as the effect of varying percentages of added lead (Pb) content. The compositions of Pb in AZ31B were 1%, 5%, and 10% by percentage weight of Pb. Two types of projectile were used to compare the experimental and simulation results. Ballistic testing on a magnesium alloy plate was performed at the velocity of 435 m/s for the 9 mm×19 mm Parabellum projectile and 976 m/s for the 5.56 mm×45 mm NATO projectile. Simulation was performed using the Johnson–Cook model to determine the maximum stress that the material can withstand. Deformation and failure occurred in the ballistic simulation when the different projectiles were used. In the 9 mm×19 mm Parabellum projectile, no penetration was observed in the magnesium alloy, whereas in the 5.56 mm×45 mm NATO projectile, complete penetration was observed throughout the thickness of the alloy. The addition of Pb on AZ31B affected the absorption energy, and the addition of 1% Pb produced the most suitable absorption energy for further analysis.