Summary of ballistic impact damage in TI-6AL-4V alloy with x-ray computed tomography

The in situ volumetric internal ballistic damage of monolithic Ti-6Al-4V alloy V50 targets was investigated using X-ray Computed Tomography, XCT. The interrogation was conducted with individual XCT scans of ∼ 0.5 mm thickness to reveal 3D volumetric damage larger than the minimum feature resolution limits (> 0.25 mm). Image processing and visualization techniques utilized include contiguous 2D scan sequencing, reconstructed 3D solid objects and virtual sectioning, and colorized transparent point cloud imaging which clearly allows visualization of the volumetric damage network alone isolated from the opaque target material. Additionally, results of a new method to quantify the volumetric axi-symmetric damage fraction are shown. Observed internal damage features include multiple meso-scale cracks and voids. Of particular interest is the distinct and interesting meso-scale cracking morphology, described herein as 'spiral orbital cracking', located beyond the penetration cavity in the exit half of the sample. (author)