The Effect of Crystallographic Orientation on the Performance of Single Crystal Tungsten Subscale Penetrators.
Abstract
The performance of tungsten single crystals as kinetic energy penetrator materials was investigated in high length to diameter (L/D) rod geometry at subscale (1/4 geometric scale). (111), (110), and (100) crystal orientations were tested in this 74-g UD - 15 geometry penetrator (6.90-mm dia. x 102.5-mm length). Several 93% tungsten alloy and uranium 3/4 titanium rod geometries were also tested to baseline expected performance of typical penetrator material/geometry combinations. Performance was determined for semi-infinite penetration into rolled homogenous armor (RHA) steel and finite penetration into 76.20-mm RHA steel. Of the orientations tested, the (100) orientation provided the best ballistic results, with performance equal or better than mass and geometric equivalent 93% tungsten alloy rods. The (100) orientation also provided similar performance to the geometric equivalent uranium 3/4 titanium rods. Favorable dislocation motion during the compressive loading of the penetration process to allow penetrator material mass flow away from the penetration interface contribute to the (100) orientation crystal's excellent performance. The net result was less energy expenditure during penetrator flow and, therefore, more energy for deformation of RHA. Ammunitions, Crystallography, Materials, Metallurgy, Ballistics, Penetrators
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1993
- Accession Number
- ADA268988
Entities
People
- E. J. Horwath
- W. J. Bruchey
- W. R. Rowe
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory