Effect of Tempering on Mechanical Properties and Ballistic Performance of Novel Armor Steel by Hot Stamping

This study presented the effect of tempering time on mechanical properties and ballistic performance of hot-stamped novel armor steel. The novel armor steel was subjected to tempering at 900 °C for different tempering times. A slight variation in strength and hardness was observed with an increase in tempering time, whereas the impact toughness of the novel armor steel substantially increased. The ballistic performance of the novel armor steel was evaluated by a 5.56 mm SS109 projectile at a 0° angle of impact. A decrease in ballistic performance of the novel armor steel was obtained with increasing tempering time. In order to analyze the mechanical properties and ballistic behavior of the tempered novel armor steel at different tempering times, microstructural as well as fractographic investigations were performed.