High strain rate deformation behaviors of kinetic energy penetrator materials during ballistic impact

• Published in: Mechanics of materials 1992-09, Vol.17 (2-3), p.147-154
• Main Author: Magness, L S
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0167-6636

The elastic behaviors of various high-density materials (e.g., U-6Nb, 80W-20Ta, pure polycrystal W, 90W-7Ni-3Fe, 93W-4.9Fe-2.1Fe, 97.1W-1.4Ni-0.7Fe-0.8Co, U-8Mo, U-3/4Ti (Rc40), U-3/4Ti (Rc45), U-3/4Ti (Rc49)) are compared in ballistic penetration experiments. The deformation and failure modes of these materials under high pressure and high strain rate loading environments were studied by metallographic methods. Stable plastic flow was observed for some high-density materials such as tungsten, tungsten heavy alloys, and a uranium-6% niobium alloy. For two other families of uranium alloys, localizations quickly developed in the plastic flow and resulted in a rapid discard of the deformed material from the head of the penetrator. The earlier discard of the material reduces the build-up of the mushroomed head on the penetrator, allowing these materials to penetrate more efficiently. Therefore, the stability of plastic flow of the penetrator alloy is shown to be a key determinant of the penetration capabilities of a projectile.