Armor Piercing Projectile Research Articles

The Peculiar Phenomenon of Reversed Bullets in the First World War

This research note examines the short-lived phenomenon of using reversed rifle bullets as improvised armour-piercing projectiles. During the early years of the First World War, German soldiers would regularly reverse their rifle bullets and use them against Allied armour, with some success. However, as the war progressed, this phenomenon eventually ceased. This article examines contemporary armour trials conducted in the United Kingdom as well as first-hand combatant accounts to highlight the use of reversed bullets in 1915 and 1916 and describe their effects against armour plates. An overview of plate perforation mechanisms is provided to highlight how a reversed bullet would be able to penetrate an armoured target. The author concludes that reversed bullets would have been feasible armourpiercing projectiles—with similar or even superior armour penetration capability compared to conventionally oriented bullets—as long as the armour plate exhibited certain metallurgic characteristics to make the improvised projectiles’ penetration mode favourable.

Dynamic constitutive relation and macro/micro failure mechanism of fine-grained WC-Co composite

As the core of an armour-piercing projectile, it is crucial to provide a microscopic perspective to elucidate the macroscopic mechanical responses of fine-grained WC-Co composite under dynamic loadings. This study investigated the dynamic constitutive relation and macro/micro failure mechanisms of fine-grained WC-Co composite. Results showed that the compressive and tensile strengths increase with the strain rate influenced by the inertia effect of crack propagation and the presence of the Co phase. The strain rate dependency mechanism of the composite was obtained by comparing it with typical ceramic materials. Macro-crack propagation and distribution were discussed under different stress states in dynamic compression and Brazilian splitting tests. Microscopic failure mechanisms were obtained by SEM technique, revealing that the Co phase creates numerous localized dimple fractures and improves the plastic deformation of the WC-Co composite.

Microstructures and mechanical properties of W-Co-Al tungsten heavy alloy prepared by different formation processing

High density, high strength and high susceptibility to adiabatic shear banding (ASB) have always been pursued by tungsten heavy alloys (WHAs) for kinetic energy armor-piercing projectiles. To meet the demand, this work reported a novel tungsten heavy alloy with high-density L12 precipitation-strengthened Co9Al9W binder (WCAW). WCAWs were prepared by liquid phase sintering (LPS) and laser ultrashort-time liquid phase sintering (LULPS) respectively. Experimental results show that LULPS technique with large molten pool convection and rapid solidification can produce WCAWs with uniform W distribution, low W-W contiguity and fine W particles. Conversely, W particles in LPS WCAWs were excessively connected and segregated. The uniform distribution, low W-W contiguity and fine W particles enable LULPS WCAW to exhibit better mechanical properties. The ultimate compressive strength of the LULPS WCAWs is ∼2442 MPa, 16.4 % higher than that of the LPS WCAWs. As well, the dynamic yield strength of LULPS WCAWs is high, which is ∼2281 MPa and 37.4 % higher than that of LPS WCAWs.

Dynamic mechanical properties and energy release characteristics of Mg-Na-Al alloy under impact load

To investigate the ignition behavior of Mg-Na-Al alloy under impact load and its mechanical properties under different strain rates, the universal testing machine and Separated Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB) experimental system were used to conduct static and dynamic mechanical performance tests of Mg-Na-Al alloy, and the mechanical properties of Mg-Na-Al alloy under different strain rates were discussed. The light gas gun experimental setup was used to launch Mg-Na-Al alloy projectiles and impact rigid target plates to study the energy release behavior of Mg-Na-Al alloy under impact loads. Finally, based on the 12.7 mm ballistic gun experimental platform, the penetration of 12.7 mm armor-piercing projectiles equipped with Mg-Na-Al alloy wind caps into the homogeneous armor steel plates with a thickness of 15 mm, and the ignition test of the oil box behind the steel plates were conducted. The results indicate that the yield strength of Mg-Na-Al alloy under static compression is 265 MPa, while under high strain rates (from 2490 s−1 to 5640 s−1), the yield strength of Mg-Na-Al alloy is 406–423 MPa, which is 53∼60% higher than that under quasi-static compression. When reaching a certain impact velocity, the Mg-Na-Al alloy projectile breaks and induces ignition behavior, releasing energy. The 12.7 mm armor-piercing projectile equipped with an Mg-Na-Al alloy wind cap penetrated the homogeneous armor steel plate with a thickness of 15 mm and ignited. The released energy and the kinetic energy of the fragments ignited the oil box behind the steel plate.

Ballistic properties of silicon carbide ceramic under weak support conditions

Ceramic materials play an important role in the composite armor structures used to defend against armor-piercing projectiles. Previous studies have focused on understanding ceramics' energy absorption and ballistic properties under strong constraints. Specifically, this research studied the ballistic properties of silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics under weak support conditions. Ballistic tests were performed to measure the resistance of SiC ceramics with different thicknesses against 7.62×54mmR armor-piercing (AP) projectiles under weak support conditions. The results were then simulated and analyzed using the LS-DYNA software. The study found that even under weak support conditions, the SiC ceramic has a higher ballistic efficiency than the 2024-T351 aluminum alloy. As the thickness of SiC increased from 3 mm to 15mm, the ceramic self-constraint effect on damaged parts was enhanced within ceramics, leading to an increase in energy dissipation during both the dwell and penetration phase, and more projectile kinetic energy transformed into the internal energy of the projectile and the energy of the ceramic. In particular, a 15 mm thick SiC ceramic can effectively defend against 7.62×54mmR AP projectiles. The study highlights the importance of considering the thickness and constraint effect of the ceramic itself when evaluating the ballistic properties of SiC ceramics with poor constraint conditions.

Ballistic response of additively manufactured AA6061/AA7075 multistack plate for armor-piercing projectile

The current ballistics research study focuses heavily on substituting heavy metals with lightweight materials to make mobility more accessible and effective for all armor applications. To do so, the researchers found that aluminum alloys are the better alternative to substitute steel armor due to their high strength-to-weight ratio. Therefore, this research conducted ballistic studies on aluminum alloys using the Finite Element Analysis (FEM) methodologies and associated mathematical analysis. This Research primarily focuses on the damage factor, ballistic limit, and residual velocity of the bullet following penetration of target plates. In this investigation, the Johnson-Cook fracture and Recht-Ipson models were implemented on materials AA6061-T6 and AA7075-T6. The main objective of these models is to establish the damage factor and verify whether it is less than unity; if the factor is less than unity, it is eligible to study the residual velocity of the bullet after penetration into the target armor plate. The target plate was impacted with a 7.62 mm armor-piercing projectile with an impact velocity of 500 m/s. Monolithic plates of 18 mm thickness were evaluated initially. After that, the multilayered stack of each 3 mm thick plate was analyzed, and studied the effectiveness of using a multilayered stack armor plate.

Armor Piercing Projectiles Based on Depleted Uranium and the Consequences of Their Use for the Environment and People

The intention of the collective West to supply the armed forces of Ukraine with armor-piercing shells with cores (penetrators) made of depleted uranium (DU), is changing the situation in the zone of special military operation (SVO). A new damaging factor is introduced into combat operations – uranium-238 (238U), one of the longest-lived natural radioactive isotopes of uranium. The purpose of the review is to identify the signs and consequences of the use of armor-piercing projectiles based on depleted uranium. Materials and research methods. The sources available through the PubMed, Google Scholar and Russian Electronic Library databases were analyzed. Research results. NATO uses DU in 20-, 25-, 30-, 105-, 120- and 140-mm caliber projectiles. The cores are made from recycled DU, which is a waste from the production of nuclear weapons. Due to man-made isotopes, it is more radioactive than DU from natural uranium. When such a projectile hits an armored object, a large amount of respirable radioactive and toxic dust of black uranium oxides, small fragments and fragments of the penetrator, remaining in the armored vehicles and around it, is formed. One 120 mm projectile produces approximately 950 g of black dust. Almost 99 % of the internal dose received by the military will come from alpha particles, the most dangerous to health. Projectiles that miss their targets sink deep into the soil, their penetrators corrode for decades, releasing soluble uranium compounds into underground water sources. In areas where DU shells were used, mass diseases of «unexplained etiology» are observed among military personnel and civilians, reducing their life expectancy and fertility. Discussion of results and conclusions. The first signs of the use of shells with DU, which can be installed on the battlefield: round holes in the armor of tanks and the presence of solid black dust around them and in the tank itself. In case of fires in the warehouses of such shells, due to other oxidation conditions, crumbling yellow dust is formed. When examining it, it is necessary to pay attention to the presence of elevated concentrations of 236U. The fact that a soldier was hit by DU can be confirmed by the presence of uranium in his urine. The use of DU shells on the territory of the Russian Federation, in terms of its consequences for people and nature, is the use of radiological weapons, a disguised form of nuclear warfare. And it must be treated accordingly.

Preparation and penetration behavior of the reactive fine-grained tungsten heavy alloy

A new reactive fine-grained tungsten heavy alloy (RF-WHA) with self-sharpening ability was developed, which is a high-density and -strength material for armor-piercing projectiles with excellent penetration performance and reactive energy-releasing properties. This paper introduces the preparation method, microstructure and mechanical properties of the RF-WHA. Comparative experiments were conducted between RF-WHA and the conventional tungsten heavy alloy (WHA) long rod penetrating semi-infinite medium‑carbon steel target at impact velocities ranging from 1000 m/s to 1700 m/s using a 25 mm ballistic gun. The depth of penetration (DOP), crater channels and residual rods of the RF-WHA and WHA at different velocities were obtained. The experiment results show that the RF-WHA rod has reactive energy-releasing properties, and the DOP of the RF-WHA rod is 10%–15% higher than that of the WHA rod. The RF-WHA rod has an excellent self-sharpening behavior during penetrating. The failure mode of the RF-WHA rod was described by systematically analyzing the macroscopic morphological and microscopic metallurgical of crater channels and residual rods. It is noted that the self-sharpening behavior is related to the adiabatic shear sensitivity and brittle behavior of the RF-WHA under high and medium strain rate loading.

Experimental and simulation investigations on perforation of titanium alloy plates against armor-piercing projectile at oblique impacts

Titanium alloy is an advanced lightweight armor material, widely used in armored vehicles. Experimental and simulation investigations on perforation of titanium alloy plates impacted by armor-piercing projectiles were performed in this study. The critical ricochet angle and failure morphology of 6 mm, 8 mm, 10 mm and 12 mm titanium alloy plates subjected to projectiles were obtained. Simultaneously, Numerical simulations of the oblique perforation of titanium alloy plates were then performed on the high-performance computer using the explicit finite element code LS-DYNA, and the validity of the numerical model was verified by comparing with the experimental results. Furthermore, typical process of projectile oblique penetration into titanium alloy target plate was analyzed and the influence of factors such as inclination angle and thickness on the ballistic performance of titanium alloy plates were discussed. It is found that the residual velocity of the projectiles decreases with the increase of inclination angle of target, indicating that increasing the inclination angle of the target plate can significantly reduce the perforation performance of armor-piercing projectile. In addition, the critical ricochet angle of titanium alloy plate is sensitive to its thickness, and larger thickness can reduce the critical ricochet angle of the titanium alloy plate.

Numerical Simulation of Hypervelocity Launch Process of Cased Telescoped Ammunition Armor-piercing Projectile

In order to study the interior ballistic characteristics of cased telescoped ammunition (CTA) armor-piercing projectile in the hypervelocity launch process, in this paper, based on the secondary ignition and propellant combustion technology, the zero-dimensional internal ballistic model of CTA is established. At the same time, in order to improve the lightweight of CTA and the energy utilization rate of the launch process, combustible cartridge materials are applied to the structure of cased telescoped ammunition. Numerical simulation of 105 mm CTA grenade shooting experiment has verified its correctness. On this basis, the internal ballistic process of 105 mm CTA armor-piercing projectile with semi-combustible cartridge is predicted and analyzed. When main charge propellant weight is 6 kg, the maximum pressure is 569.5 MPa and the muzzle velocity can reach 1702 m/s.

Research on Influence of rotation velocity on projectile penetration ability

This paper takes the 35mm armor-piercing projectile as the research object, and uses the ANSYS LS-DYNA dynamic analysis platform to simulate the process of the projectile penetrating the armored steel plate under different rotation speeds by using the Johnson-Cook constitutive model. The research results show that the rotation speed has a certain influence on the penetration performance of the projectile: the rotation speed will have different effects on the contact stress of the projectile target in the later period of penetration, resulting in different penetration resistance of the projectile with different rotation speeds;the penetration ability of the projectile first decreased and then increased with the increase of the projectile rotation speed. This research has certain guiding significance for improving the interception efficiency of anti-air armored targets of terminal air defense and anti-missile equipment.

Modeling and simulation on dynamic engraving process of small caliber armor-piercing projectile with lead-free aluminum filler

In order to reduce the ineffective armor-piercing weight of the small caliber armor-piercing projectile, improve combat effectiveness, and reduce the pollution of lead fillers to the environment, a projectile with aluminum filler was proposed. Taking the small caliber armor-piercing projectile as the research object, using explicit dynamic methods and coupling the classical internal ballistic equations, a numerical simulation model of bullet–barrel interactions during dynamic engraving process was established. And the reliability of the model was verified by the dynamic engraving experiment. Besides, using copper and copper-clad steel (CCS) as the jacket material, and aluminum and lead as the filler material, numerical simulation studies of four schemes were carried out. The result shows that, the aluminum filler projectile will cause a slight increase in the maximum chamber pressure and a slight decrease in the muzzle velocity of the projectile, an increase in the sliding friction force and a decrease in the maximum deformation force, an increase in the contact stress on both sides of the land and a decrease in the contact stress on the land and groove. And the contact stress on the non-driving side is larger than that on the driving side. The average contact stress and the engraving resistance of the Cu-Al case and CCS-Pb case are very close. And the application of Cu-Al projectile may improve the shooting accuracy in the hot barrel conditions compared with Cu-Pb projectile, and achieve the same performance as CCS-Pb projectile.

Microstructure and twinning behavior of b.c.c tantalum under dynamic plastic deformation

In this paper, dynamic plastic deformation (DPD) of tantalum (Ta) was achieved by split Hopkinson pressure bar and a variety of DPD conditions were set to systematically investigate the microstructure of the deformed samples, focusing on the twinning behavior. Results showed that the deformation conditions have a significant effect on the number and distribution of {112}<111>twins. Compared with {100} and {111} grains, {110} grains are more prone to twinning due to the fewer slip systems. As the strain rate increases or the deformation temperature decreases, the number of twins increases dramatically. In addition, the texture of Ta samples gradually changes from {110} to mixed {100} and {111} textures with the increasing deformation, and the number of twins first increases and then decreases. After calculation, it is found that the selection of twin variants in Ta under DPD not only follows Schmid law but is also influenced by strain coordination. The research in this paper deepens the understanding of tantalum as a material for armour-piercing projectile.

Effect of ceramic balls/UHPC panel on impact resistance of composite armor

A composite armor with ceramic balls/UHPC panel was proposed by studying the penetration process of 10 mm armor-piercing projectile. The several factors, including the diameter of ceramic balls, the number of ceramic balls layers and the constraint effect, on the impact resistance of the targets were discussed. Results show that ceramic ball composite armor has excellent impact resistance. UHPC matrix can provide excellent constraint on ceramic balls, which is positive to their impact resistance. ANSYS/LS-DYNA was used to analyze the changes of velocity, damage and energy during the penetration process, after verifying the effectiveness of the simulation. Finally, the influence of different impact points on impact resistance was studied by simulation. The probabilistic impact model of ceramic balls composite armor was established. This model is used for selecting the best diameter of ceramic ball according to the projectile diameter.

New Explosive Composite Armor Technology for Light Armored Vehicles

Taking the future add-on armor of light armored platforms as the application background and research object, in view of armored combat vehicles’ weak survivability and low protection capability against RPGs and armor-piercing projectiles in urban warfare, and based on the research on protection mechanisms of traditional reactive and ceramic composite armor, a new type of explosive composite armor consisting of a composite shell, an explosive structural unit and a lightweight composite unit has been successfully developed. It provides effective protection against RPGs and armor-piercing projectiles at the same time. Compared with foreign data, its weight loss has reached 19%, making it a lightweight composite armor with low after-effect.

Numerical Simulation of the Influence of Interfacial Characteristics of Bulletproof Plates on Ballistic Protection Performance

The influence of three interfacial characteristics on the ballistic protection performance of double-layer steel plates is concluded through a numerical simulation of penetration of armor-piercing projectiles into double-layer steel plates with different interfacial characteristics. The research results show that the gap between double layers of steel plates has an adverse effect on the ballistic protection performance. The larger the gap is, the worse the ballistic protection performance is; appropriate interlaminar stress on double-layer steel plates can improve the ballistic protection of target plates; when the joint or fixed point of double-layer steel plates is too close to the impact point, the ballistic protection performance will demonstrate a downward trend.

Perspective Armour-Piercing Intermediate Cartridge Projectile

Ongoing military conflicts, along with a constant evolution of individual protection devices, have shown an urgent need of development in terms of the armour piercing capability of standard infantry small arms ammunition. The following paper includes a brief overview of the existing armour-piercing intermediate rounds, in an effort to define the most reasonable design of a perspective armour-piercing projectile. Therefore, various projectiles were designed and evaluated in terms of their external ballistic performance for chosen initial conditions, followed by preliminary internal and terminal ballistic calculations that were performed in order to assess the most reasonable outcome.

Numerička analiza procesa penetracije pancirnog projektila 30 mm

Introduction/purpose: Thin plates made of high-strength steel are frequently used both in civil and military ballistic protection systems. In order to choose an appropriate type of alloy, it is necessary to fulfil a number of criteria, such as the condition of use, the desired ballistic performance, weight, dimensions, and price. This paper presents a numerical analysis of the penetration of a 30mm armor-piercing projectile with a velocity of 750m/s into steel alloy Weldox 460 plates of different thicknesses at a distance of 1000m . Methods: The analysis has been performed using numerical methods and finite element modeling to calculate stresses and deformation caused by the penetration effect. For defining material characteristics, the Johnson-Cook material model and the fracture of materials model have been used. In this paper, the software packages FEMAP and LS Dyna have been used for defining models and performing numerical calculations. Results: The results of the performed numerical analysis as well as the obtained stress and displacement values are presented for four different armor plate thicknesses: 30mm, 33mm, 34mm, and 40mm. The results show a penetration effect and an interaction between the projectile and the armor plate. Conclusion: Modeling the impact on armor-piercing obstacles is very complex, extensive, and demanding, and the formed models approximate the real problem of projectile penetration in a very successful way (or with a certain deviation). In recent times, the analysis using the finite element method has proven to be one of effective approaches to solving such and similar problems. The material and the dimensions of the obstacle, as well as the material and the ballistic parameters of the projectile have the greatest influence on projectile penetration. Keeping all the input parameters at the same level and increasing the thickness of the target leads to its increased resistance to penetration.

Tungsten carbide core 12.7x99 mm AP projectiles ballistic behavior against high hardness steel armor

This paper studies the ballistic behavior of developed 12.7x99mm armor-piercing (AP) projectiles with Tungsten Carbide Core. The development of AP projectiles aims to improve their penetration abilities against high-strength alloy steel targets. Different designs have been modeled in order to determine their penetration capabilities to choose the best design compared with that of traditional 12.7x99mm AP projectile. The study includes, the ballistic performance and stability of the newly developed bullets have been evaluated using PRODAS. Then, Numerical simulations in the environment of ANSYS have been carried out for the developed configurations as well as the traditional AP one to predict their penetration abilities. Finally and according to the PRODAS and simulation results, the designs with best results are chosen to be manufactured and tested by firing against ARMOX-500 steel alloy targets. The results show that the stability has been achieved and the penetration ability for one of the developed projectiles is more than traditional AP projectiles by 150%.

Study on the Penetration Power of ZrO2 Toughened Al2O3 Ceramic Composite Projectile into Ceramic Composite Armor.

This work aims to improve the penetration ability of a 14.5 mm standard armor-piercing projectile into ceramic/armor steel (Al2O3/RHA) composite armor. To this end, ZrO2 toughened Al2O3(ZTA) is prepared as the material for bullet tips, utilizing in situ solidification injection molding that is realized via ceramic dispersant hydrolytic degradation. The penetration power of ZTA ceramic composite projectile, compared with standard armor, against 15 mm armor steel (RHA) and 30 mm Al2O3/RHA composite armor, is studied by ballistics testing combined with numerical simulation. The Tate theory is optimized and then employed to calculate the penetration depth and bullet core’s residual mass when ZTA ceramic composite projectile penetrates into Al2O3/RHA composite armor. The results show that when penetrating RHA of 15 mm, the penetration area of ZTA ceramic composite projectile into RHA increases by 27.59% and the exit area by 42.93%. While the standard projectile fails to penetrate the 30 mm Al2O3/RHA composite armor, the ZTA ceramic composite armor-piercing projectile succeeds, with the mass loss reduced by 66.67% over the standard one. The ZTA ceramic composite bullet has a better performance than the standard bullet in penetrating RHA and Al2O3/RHA composite armors. The test results, simulation, and theoretical analysis are consistent. This study has practical values for engineering applications to design new ceramic composite bullets.