Effect of Microcracks in the Annular Groove Region of a Tungsten Alloy Kinetic Energy Penetrator

Abstract

The influence of microcracks in the annular groove region of a kinetic energy penetrator is examined through a combined theoretical, experimental, and computational study. Microcracks resulting from plastic deformation are quantified for a typical penetrator made from tungsten alloy (WA). The effect of existing and proposed annular groove geometries on the stress field near the penetrator surface is determined using finite element techniques, and the effect of the various stress fields on the critical flaw size is examined. Recommendations of microcrack size and groove geometry are made to improve the fracture resistance of conventional WA long rod penetrators.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Sep 01, 2004
Accession Number
ADA428080

Entities

People

  • Brett R. Sorensen
  • Todd W. Bjerke

Organizations

  • United States Army Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Alloys
  • Crack Tips
  • Crystal Structure
  • Electron Microscopes
  • Elements
  • Energy
  • Fracture (Mechanics)
  • Geometry
  • J Integrals
  • Kinetic Energy
  • Materials
  • Mechanics
  • Military Research
  • Numerical Analysis
  • Plastic Deformation
  • Tungsten
  • Tungsten Alloys

Readers

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Powder metallurgy of Titanium alloys.
  • Structural Health Monitoring of Composite Structures.