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Tuesday, November 1, 2011 - 8:00 AM

High Performance Nano-Metallic Structure and Armor

G. M. Cola, SFP Works, LLC, Washington Twp, MI

Sirius Protection, LLC in conjunction with SFP Works, LLC, has developed a disruptive, break-through technology with incredibly short cycle times (<10s) for cost effectively producing unique advanced high strength metallics.  Flash Bainite Processing has been validated and an evolutionary thermal transformation mechanism theorized at Ohio State University in a recently completed Masters Thesis.  Comparing basic mechanical properties, Flash Bainite is the strongest, most ductile, readily weldable metallic known to mankind.  Flash Bainite’s tensile strength has repeatedly proven above 300ksi with 8-10% A50 elongation. Specific tensile strength is more than 25% higher that titanium-6Al-4V armor at 130ksi, thus making Flash Bainite pound for pound notably stronger.

Ballistic testing at 10psf against 0.30-cal M2 AP at 0º obliquity has determined V50 results showing a Ballistic Mass Efficiency (Em) which exceeds other metallic armors.  Ballistic testing at 10psf against 0.30-cal M2 AP at 30º obliquity has shown Flash Bainite far superior against RHA, common High Hard, aluminum alloys, and titanium-6-4.  Against 20mm FSP at 10psf, Flash 4130 V50s exceed RHA by 250fps, aluminums by over 500fps, and titanium-6-4 by over 115fps.

Flash Bainite panels have been successfully produced at 5 to 15psf with production costs calculated to be less than all other metallic solutions for a specified level of protection against 0.30-cal M2 AP.  Round and rectangular tubing up to 1” have been produced and vehicle tested as entire frame members.  Structural section such as I-beams are possible.  Ballistic samples 12” x 36” are available for IRAD projects.  Widths to 48” will be in production at two facilities planned for late 2010.

Flash Bainite delivers increased Survivability and Structural robustness as a vehicle hull A-Cab solution as required by the DoD Long Term Armor Strategy (LTAS).  Applications such as Gunner Protection Kits could be made significantly lighter without compromising Warfighter protection.