抄録
Boron carbide is a material with low density and high hardness that makes it useful in applications such as lightweight soldier armor. However, its use is limited because the boron carbide targets fail when ballistic velocities exceed a critical value. Presently, failure mechanisms of boron carbide under contact loading are poorly understood. This study aims to understand these mechanisms using dynamic loading, micro indentation and depth-sensing indentation techniques to induce damage on single crystals. Vickers, Berkovich, and spherical indentation have been performed. Raman and IR spectroscopy and TEM are used as primary analysis tools. Based on certain Raman bands found inside indented areas, it was found that phase transformation in boron carbide is possible during indentation. TEM study has revealed shear bands, amorphous boron carbide, and also nanocrystalline particles present in wear debris of the scratches produced on boron carbide. From this information, a plausible mode of failure is suggested.
