초록 ▼

In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Any combination of metal and ceramic phases may be used

In making frangible objects, including lead-free bullets and other projectiles, powdered metal primary and powdered ceramic secondary phases are mixed and densified at an elevated temperature such that the ceramic phase forms a brittle network. Any combination of metal and ceramic phases may be used to achieve desired chemical and physical properties. Any appropriate mixing, forming, and/or thermal processing methods and equipment may be used. Degrees of frangibility, strength, and toughness can be adjusted to suit a given application by precursor selection, degree of mixing, relative amounts of metal and ceramic phases, forming method, and thermal and mechanical processing parameters.

대표청구항 ▼

The invention claimed is: 1. A method of producing a frangible projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a powdered metal primary phase;providing a powdered ceramic secondary phase;mixing the powders;densifying the mixture into a projectile-shaped form; andsintering the ceramic phase at a temper

The invention claimed is: 1. A method of producing a frangible projectile, comprising the steps of:providing a powdered metal primary phase;providing a powdered ceramic secondary phase;mixing the powders;densifying the mixture into a projectile-shaped form; andsintering the ceramic phase at a temperature at or below the sintering temperature of the metal powder such that the ceramic phase bonds to itself and to the metal phase in a substantially continuous manner to form a brittle network that shatters on impact with little or no deformation.