Experimenting with Liquid Metal!!!

Published on November 23, 2021
Duration: 19:14

This experiment details the process of weakening a solid aluminum block using gallium, a non-toxic metal that infiltrates and embrittles aluminum. The treated block is then subjected to ballistic testing with calibers ranging from .22 LR to .50 BMG API-T rounds, demonstrating significant structural compromise and eventual shattering. The analysis reveals gallium's effect on aluminum's grain boundaries, destroying its ductility.

Quick Summary

Gallium infiltrates aluminum's grain boundaries, destroying its ductility and making it brittle. This chemical reaction significantly weakens the metal's structural integrity. A treated aluminum block was tested with calibers from .22 LR to .50 BMG, shattering completely under .50 BMG impact.

Chapters

  1. 00:27Gallium vs. Aluminum Experiment Intro
  2. 01:34Gallium Properties and Application
  3. 04:26Applying Liquid Metal to Aluminum
  4. 06:23Pre-Shooting Brittleness Test
  5. 08:22Preliminary .22 LR Testing
  6. 09:25Handgun Ballistics vs. Treated Block
  7. 11:03High-Power Handgun: .44 Magnum
  8. 11:58Rifle Testing: 5.56 and .308 API
  9. 14:27Precision Rifle: .338 Lapua Magnum
  10. 15:52The Final Blow: .50 BMG
  11. 17:35Post-Impact Structural Analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

How does gallium affect aluminum's strength?

Gallium infiltrates aluminum's grain boundaries, chemically altering its molecular structure. This process destroys aluminum's natural ductility, making it extremely brittle and prone to fracturing under stress or impact.

What calibers were used to test the gallium-treated aluminum block?

The treated aluminum block was tested with a range of calibers, starting with .22 LR, 9mm, .40 S&W, and .44 Magnum. It was then subjected to rifle rounds including 5.56mm green tip, .308 API, .338 Lapua Magnum, and finally .50 BMG API-T.

What is the melting point of gallium?

Gallium (Ga) is a metal with a remarkably low melting point of approximately 85°F (29.8°C). This allows it to be easily melted in warm water, facilitating its application to other metals like aluminum.

What was the outcome of testing the gallium-treated aluminum with .50 BMG rounds?

Upon impact with .50 BMG API-T rounds from a Barrett M82A1, the gallium-treated aluminum block completely shattered into several large pieces, demonstrating the extreme embrittlement caused by the gallium infiltration.

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