Tougher alloys for titanium tanks

Military vehicles could be armoured with titanium alloys better able to withstand bullets and explosions in the future.

The tougher material is the intended result of research being conducted by Prof Wei Sha at Queen's University's School of Planning, Architecture and Civil Engineering.

Sha is developing computer models that will reveal the reasons why titanium deforms and retains damage from strong impacts and fast applied forces.

Such compression on the metal can happen when it is hit by bullets or explosives.

In this occurrence the temperature inside the alloy can heat up to several hundred degrees through heat generated by deformation. Sha has discovered that titanium, like other metals, can be weakened by such forces and elevated temperatures. If these alloys are damaged they can endanger the lives of those relying on their protection.

‘If we can understand how the metal will deform under impact loading then we can control the damage to the finished product,’ he said.