Dynamic loading of a designer composite

Advances in computer simulation and composite design capability have opened up the possibility of fitting a structure, and the material from which it is constructed, to the loading it may experience. One such class of materials is Metal-Intermetallic Laminate (MIL) composites, a designable material processed from titanium and aluminum sheets by reactive foil metallurgy. The material forms a unique microstructure that allows great flexibility in resistance to loading. Shock loading of a target has allowed assessment of shock profile and spall strength. A series of experiments has been designed to derive and validate materials' models. This process has been demonstrated with material properties derived allowing construction of models validated using impact tests. Inspection of the damaged composite suggests new avenues for better performance