Ballistic evaluation of ceramics: Influence of test conditions

Abstract

Summary This work presents data on the penetration of high quality 99.5% alumina tiles backed with “semi-infinite” metal plates by both sharp and blunt tungsten alloy and hard steel projectiles. The three metallic backing materials used are an aluminium alloy 5083, rolled homogeneous steel armour and high hardness steel armour. Merit ratings which quantify the performance of the ceramic against the impacting projectile, are a function of the projectile type and of the backing material. High values of merit rating are achieved for pointed projectiles, in cases where the projectile is hard relative to the reference backing material. With such conditions deformation of the penetrator is minimal when fired into the reference material alone, but use of the hard ceramic tile results in the destruction of the penetrator tip converting the residual penetrator into one of low efficiency. Low merit ratings are obtained for pointed projectiles fired against hard backing targets (which destroys the tip) and for blunt penetrators. Two mechanisms are involved in the defeat of pointed projectiles by a hard ceramic: destruction of the nose configuration, which converts the penetrator into one of low efficiency, and penetrator erosion. For blunt projectiles, on the other hand, the interaction with the ceramic is dominated by penetrator erosion.