Hierarchical Diamond-Based Ceramic Composites (Summary Technical Report, Oct 2019 – Sep 2021)

Author(s):

Anthony DiGiovanni, Shawn Coleman, Matthew Guziewski, Jerry LaSalvia, Jennifer Dunn, Mathew Ivill, S Vennila Raju, Michael Kornecki, Samuel G Hirsch, William T Shoulders, Raymond Brennan, Scott Walck, Philip Goins, Thomas Scharf, Brian Schuster, Jonathan Ligda, Daniel Magagnosc, Brian Powers, Richard B Leavy, John Clayton, and Debjoy Mallick

Abstract:

A basic science 6.1 research program was undertaken in hierarchically designed diamond–silicon carbide (SiC) composites in support of the Army Modernization Priorities in Soldier Lethality. An innovative combination of experimental synthesis and testing and multiscale simulation techniques explored the effects of hierarchical microstructure (mesoscale diamond packing and nanoscale interfaces) on the mechanical and ballistic performance of these composite ceramics. Critical relationships at the mesoscale were identified, allowing predictive deformation by integrating microstructural characterization with experimental microcantilever failure and atomistically informed grain boundary energies. Diamond-SiC and SiC-SiC interfaces played a crucial role in the fracture toughness and compressive strength of the diamond composites, and controlling these interfaces may eventually be used to manipulate the failure mechanisms that improve ballistic performance. The developed approach allows for the analysis of not just pristine interfaces, but interfaces that more closely resemble those seen experimentally. Additionally, this study created an interactive loop linking fundamental powder-based processing variables to Monte Carlo Potts simulations and evolved microstructures that can be evaluated in mesoscale phase field models.