Studying the Effectiveness of Shaped Charge Jets Created by Graphene-containing Shaped Charge Liners

Abstract

The paper presents selected results of studies conducted within the framework of the following research project: “Use of graphene and new multilayer explosive technologies in materials for shaped charge liners" (The National Centre for Research and Development in Poland: project No: DOB-BI08/03/01/2016). This study was performed by a consortium made up of the following entities: Institute of Precision Mechanics, Military University of Technology and the Mototechnika company (Poland). The main objective of the performed experiments was to test the effectiveness of shaped charge liners produced with the use of powder metallurgy methods, from mixtures containing copper powder and graphene-coated copper powder. The content of the latter equaled 0%, 1%, 5% and 10%, respectively. Shaped charge jets created with the use of liners made from the powder mixtures tested were recorded with the help of X-ray technology. Firing tests were conducted against steel barriers and the depth of penetration was determined. The obtained results showed that the addition of graphene powder to pure copper powder practically does not increase the depth of penetration of the shaped charge jet compared to scenarios in which sintered liners without this additive were used.