Deformation quantification in steel plates following impact at a velocity of 2.6 km/s

Abstract

Micro-scale damage processes during hypervelocity impact into steel targets have been evaluated using image analysis and electron backscatter diffraction techniques. The targets were 50 mm thick and the impact velocity was 2.6 km/s. Image analysis of the pearlite grains shows localized pockets of strain upwards of 55% occurring at depths associated with penetrator geometry. Electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) shows that inter-granular ferrite grain orientations become less uniform, with deformation being primarily two- and three-dimensional. Mobilized micro-ferrite textures aligned in the shot direction were also identified with EBSD. These are formed as a result of significant plastic deformation and frictional shearing of the small volume of material.