Innovative Methodologies for Manufacturing of Lethality Test Articles

The overall goals of our effort are to reduce the cost and lead times of test articles while maintaining their fidelity. Corvid Technologies will partner with North Carolina State University to examine why metal alloys produced by AM processes differ in high strain-rate response compared to traditional foundry (TM) alloys at their CAMAL facility. We will identify the differences in response by examining existing literature and conducting Kolsky Bar and plate impact tests as well as computational models used to extend the value of testing. This examination will inform work to develop AM meta-alloys having density, bulk modulus, toughness, and high strain rate properties that mimic metal alloys. Identification of meta-alloys to be developed will be driven by past and on-going threat lethality efforts; we seek to deliver equivalent materials that provide the greatest utility for MDA lethality test articles. NCSU will create candidate meta-alloys. Variations in these candidates may include particle size of the AM feedstock, powder alloy composition, and/or AM processes and techniques. Our efforts will consider AM process modifications of laser (SLM/SLS) and electron beam melting (EBM) machines. Corvid will evaluate meta-alloy performance through testing and by computational model parameter studies for proof of concept. Approved for Public Release | 18-MDA-9522 (23 Feb 18)