Light alloys

This chapter covers the metallurgy of three families of light alloys: those based upon aluminium, titanium and magnesium. Their ballistic properties are comprehensively reviewed, with useful tables of essential physical and chemical properties, as well as their over-riding sets of engineering properties. Whilst thick-sectioned, high-strength, aluminium-based alloys are competitive choices for light armoured vehicles, they are still prone to failure by discing and spalling, as well as the effects of stress corrosion cracking, even after decades of research. In fact, discing is shown to be the Achilles heel of all three alloy families and the low strength of the magnesium alloys seriously compromises its future development. On the other hand, the titanium alloys remain an attractive option for bullet-resistant light alloy development, especially for applique applications.