Effect of Tile Thickness and Projectile Velocity on the Ballistic Performance of Boron Carbide Against 12.7 mm AP

Abstract

The high hardness combined with its lower density makes boron carbide an attractive candidate for armour material. The ballistic performance of hot pressed boron carbide tiles were evaluated using standard Depth of Penetration (DOP) test method against hard steel armour piercing (AP) projectile of 12.7 mm caliber. Aluminium alloy 2024-T351 was used as backing material. The effect of tile thickness on ballistic efficiency was studied for tile thickness from 7.1 mm to 14.6 mm. Also projectile velocity effect was studied for velocities between 700 to 825 m/s. The ballistic efficiency with respect to tile thickness was initially found to increase and then decreases. Results on ballistic efficiency along with results of post ballistic analysis have been presented.