Characteristics of martensite as a function of the Ms temperature in low-carbon armour steel plates

The microstructure, morphology, crystal structure and surface relief of martensite in a number of experimental armour steel plates with different Ms temperatures were analysed. Atomic force microscopy, thin foil transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy allowed the identification of three groups of low-carbon martensitic armour steels. The investigation showed that the size of individual martensite products (plates or packets, laths or blocks) increases as the Ms temperature increases. Comparison of ballistic performances suggests that the morphology (plate or lath) and size of the individual martensite products dictate the effective “grain size” in resisting fracture or perforation due to ballistic impact.