Morphological Characteristics of Particulate Material Formed from High Velocity Impact of Depleted Uranium Projectiles with Armor Targets

Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the particles formed when depleted uranium projectiles (99.25 percent depleted uranium, 0.75 percent titanium) impact armor targets. Special emphasis was placed on the morphological characteristics of the particles in relationship to size, crystal...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Patrick, Michael A, Cornette, J C
Format: Report
Language:English
Subjects:
ARMOR PIERCING AMMUNITION
Ballistics
DEPLETED URANIUM
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELECTRONIC SCANNERS
GAU-8 Guns(30-MM)
IMPACT
MORPHOLOGY
PARTICULATES
PE62602F
PENETRATION
PYROPHORIC MATERIALS
TERMINAL BALLISTICS
WUAFATL06CD0101
X RAY SPECTROSCOPY
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Summary:Scanning electron microscopy was used to investigate the particles formed when depleted uranium projectiles (99.25 percent depleted uranium, 0.75 percent titanium) impact armor targets. Special emphasis was placed on the morphological characteristics of the particles in relationship to size, crystalline structure, and inherent stability. Airborne particles, which had been collected on cellophane tape, were observed directly following sputter coating. These particles were primarily spherical in shape, indicating formation from molten material. Crystalline structure was highly variable and was dependent upon the degree of alloying with target material as determined by X- ray energy spectroscopy. The surfaces of these particles were covered to varying extents by large numbers of coalesced, ultrafine (0.1 micrometers) particulates. Soil particles, which were sieved and density separated from debris prior to microscopic examination, consisted of spheres and irregularly shaped fragments. X-ray analysis confirmed alloying and fusion with clay and sand particulates. (Author)