Behavior of Segmented Rods during Penetration
Abstract
Flash radiographic observations and measurements were used to examine the behavior of small-scale segmented and unitary rods as they penetrated steel targets after impact at 1500 m/s. Penetration data were examined by an eroding- rod model which aided interpretations of behavior. Segmented rods of tungsten alloy always penetrated less than the equivalent unitary rod. Successive rod segments were found to contribute progressively less to the total penetration because of their interactions with residue and erosion products. A few experiments were conducted with gold-alloy penetrators because unitary rods of this material surpassed the performance of unitary tungsten-alloy rods, while leaving almost no residue at the end of penetration. However, segmented rods of the gold alloy performed poorly because their low strength made them susceptible to severe damage during the encounter with erosion products. A thin tubular support of aluminum or steel was found to improve the performance of tungsten-alloy segments, and possible reasons for the improvement are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA226268
Entities
People
- A. Melani
- G. E. Hauver
Organizations
- Ballistic Research Laboratory