The first research project I was involved with was ballistics testing of Boron and Silicon Carbide ceramics through the Center for Dynamic Response of Advanced Materials (CDRAM) to study the effect of grain size versus mechanical properties for personnel and vehicle/tank ceramic armor.
I processed both silicon and boron carbide samples using spark plasma sintering and slip casting, achieving a theoretical density of 98-99 percent. The mechanical properties were studied through static and dynamic hardness testing; hardness was measured through optical microscopy.
High-speed video technology was used during dynamic hardness testing to study the deformation and fracture that occurs during high-speed ballistic impacts.
Crack interaction between two Vickers Indentations on Boron Carbide.
Erik Hofstetter 