Hypersonic impact of a 4 millimeter aluminum projectile at a diamond composite target (VIDEO)
Caption
Texas A&M University and Rice University researchers forged an ultra-hard diamond composite, then put it to the ultimate test, blasting it with aluminum projectiles traveling more than eight times the speed of sound. Within microseconds of impact, portions of the diamond transformed into graphite, acting as an instant shock absorber — a discovery that could help engineers design next-generation shielding and protective materials for aviation, defense and space technologies.
Credit
Texas A&M University Hypervelocity Impact Laboratory
Usage Restrictions
Use with credit
License
Original content