Project 9 Scope: (NextGen MatProTech) Processing and Characterization of Flash Steel

Flash Steel is a highly unique materials system, possessing both ultra-high hardness and the ability to be easily welded. These properties make it an ideal material solution for heavy armor applications, and as such has received significant attention from ARL. This project is focused on materials characterization of a variety of Flash Steel Systems, with the goal of uncovering the fundamental characteristics and features which govern its unique properties. This knowledge will be leveraged into advanced thermo mechanical predictive models to better understand the microstructural and property evolution of key flash processing parameters. Additionally, secondary processing investigations (including model development) will be undertaken on select Flash Steel alloys to determine the influence of relevant manufacturing technologies on targeted material and mechanical properties.