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from the Who's-afraid-of-the-big-bad-bomb? dept.
Armor-Piercing Bullet Turned to Dust When Fired at Composite Metal Foam
Essentially a metal sponge consisting of hollow metal beads within solid metal, composite metal foam (CMF) generally retains some physical properties of its base materials. While its defining characteristic is ultra-high porosity, CMF boasts 5 to 6 times greater strength as well as over 7 times higher energy absorption than previously developed metal foams. Typically created by melting aluminum around hollow metal spheres, it is impressively 70% lighter than sheet metal and 80 times more energy absorbent than steel.
The foam is claimed to be non-toxic, resistant to radiation, fire and heat resistant.
Youtube video (13 seconds) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lWmFu-_54fI
Related video (2:30) demonstrates automotive and other applications https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7uE_f9rXLlk
Slightly different coverage at https://newatlas.com/metal-foam-bullets/42731/
Another Youtube video, demonstrating an explosion - https://youtu.be/yMVEQh5Akcc
(Score: 0) by Anonymous Coward on Wednesday April 11 2018, @11:16AM
if there are two objects, say a square column and contoured one and both are made from the same material, then
the extra "strength" isn't because of the shape/contour but rather because the contoured column is lighter.
it means that the contoured column is lighter and thus doesn't have to carry "itself" as much.
there's no magic, as far as i can tell in the shape of a object that adds extra "strength". it's just that one
can calculate the stresses and then omit the material parts in a square column that don't contribute (much)
to the desired strength and thus make the column lighter and the difference can be added to the weight (strength)
that wants to be supported...