Metal foam can escape various types of radiation and even stop armor-piercing bullet

Metal foam

Composite metal foam (CMF) is strong enough to stop the armor-piercing bullet upon impact and transform it into a dust. Given that these foams are easier to metal plating, the material has obvious advantages for the creation of new types of body armor and automotive - and this is only the beginning of its potential, according phys.org

. The experiment was conducted by researchers from the University of North Carolina under the guidance Avsane Rabieyi, professor of air and missile, which has spent years on the development and research of the unusual properties of the CMF. Foamed metal composite material itself, in which the middle layer - metal foams (energy absorber of hollow metal balls on the metallic substrate), and the outermost layer is made of ceramic. In the video, the scientists fired an armor-piercing bullet caliber 7, 62 mm in the product of this composite and the result is impressive:



"We were able to stop at least 2, 5 cm thick bullet material, with a recess in the place of bullet turned out depth of less than 8 mm. For example, by the standards of the National Institute of Justice armor is considered good, even after falling into it is a recess 44 mm, "says Rabieyi.

Also light metal foam composite effective in blocking x-ray, gamma-ray and neutron radiation. The results indicate that the metal foams are promising for use in nuclear security systems, aerospace, and may also find application in medicine.

Material according to their properties proved to be better than most others in terms of protection against X-rays, although not as effective as lead.

"Nevertheless, we are working, changing the composition of the metal foam, so that it becomes even more effective than lead in blocking the X-rays, and the first results are very promising," says Rabieyi. "Our foams are non-toxic, and hence, easier to manufacture and disposal. In addition, unusual mechanical and thermal properties of composites of data and their ability to absorb energy, make this material a good candidate for use in the field of nuclear energy. "

Source: geektimes.ru/post/274114/