Ballistic studies of lightweight materials - a review

A recent development in the material studies provides beneficial application of lightweight alloys such as aluminium, magnesium as well as composites and metal matrices. The alloys are experimentally improved by increasing hardness in the ballistics testing using projectiles,makes them viable for the areas such as aerospace, military, defence, automobiles and so on. So the study is made on different approaches. First, by comparing different types of non-ferrous alloys and projectiles regarding sizes, structures. Second, the materials with heat treatment are also studied for investigating the hardness property by overcoming successful penetration on non-ferrous alloys. Third, material to be improvised by use of numerical studies such as 3D models, empirical models and software such as ANSYS, ABAQUS and AUTODYN, etc. Finally, the aim of this paper is to review the recent progress ballistic studies of lightweight materials and to provide a best choice of material for further on-going research.