Strength Degradation in AA5083 Armor Plate After Exposure to Elevated Temperatures

Abstract The thermally driven evolution of β-phase (Al3Mg2) and its impact on strength are explored for three different commercial producers aluminum alloy 5083-H131 used in armor applications. Specimens were exposed to 100 °C air periods up 30 days. Through a combination optical microscopy computational image analysis, the extent matrix β grain boundary microstructure was assessed. Quasi-static tensile testing also measure as function exposure time. It found that degradation yield strongly correlates with rapid emergence not slowly evolving networks typical sensitized microstructure. decrease is attributed loss solid solution strengthening via precipitation. This suggests field solar radiation, ambient air, or engine/exhaust heat could lead level ballistic protection afforded by even without condition.