Ballistic Penetration Phenomenology of High Symmetry Single Crystals
Abstract
The ballistic performance of tungsten single crystal penetrators is known to be a function of crystallographic symmetry. The macroscopic deformation geometry of both single crystal and polycrystal tungsten penetrators is a continuous eversion of the rod into a hollow tube. The differences in energy partitioning leading to these variations in ballistic performance must therefore be accounted for by detailed material deformation processes governed by crystallographic orientation. Inferences about these processes have been drawn from microstructural characterization of recovered penetrators. Residual penetrators of both 011 and 111 orientations were found to have repeatedly deformed and recrystalized, but the actual operative processes led to quite different macrostructures, microstructures, and penetration depths. The 001 orientation deformed by a unique process which allowed very efficient deformation, resulting in maximum penetration depth. These single crystal experiments demonstrate the critical role of detailed deformation processes in determining the final penetration depths even when similar macroscopic material flow geometry occurs. jg
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA292476
Entities
People
- Pat W. Kingman
- Rodney A. Herring
Organizations
- United States Army Research Laboratory