Behind-armor debris from the impact of hypervelocity tungsten penetrators

Behind-armor debris is the main mechanism by which targets are destroyed by projectile impact. The behind-armor debris generated from the impact of tungsten heavy alloy (THA) penetrators with a length-to-diameter ratio (L/D) of 20 against 6061-T6 aluminum targets was characterized. Behind-armor debris characteristics described were the number of debris particles, their positions, and their size distribution. Experiments were performed against two nominal target thicknesses, 100 and 150 mm, and covered a velocity range from 1.7 to 2.6 km/s. Two methods of obtaining data were used—radiographs were taken of the behind-armor debris, and perforation patterns were generated on steel witness packs placed behind the aluminum target. Debris particles recovered from the witness packs were also studied. Results are discussed for the effect of changes in target thickness and impact velocity on behind-armor debris particle characteristics.