Advanced High-Speed Ceramic Projectiles against Hard Targets

This paper describes theoretical and experimental work aimed at the development of a new class of high-speed projectiles with superior penetration performance. Our earlier publications [1, 2] were focused on finite element analysis of projectile-target interaction over a wide range of impact speeds. The projectiles were made of tungsten or alumina, and the target plates were made of aluminum, steel, or tungsten. Subsequently, finite element modeling was performed for ceramic rods encased in metal shells and launched against reinforced concrete [3]. The current work expands the range of ceramic and ceramic-based composite materials for use in high-speed projectiles. Materials were compared based on their mass density, Hugoniot elastic limit, fracture toughness, deformability and ability to withstand intense aerodynamic heat during high-speed flight and penetration. Finite element analysis was performed for ceramic and tungsten projectiles impacting metal plates at speeds ranging from 0.5 km/s to 6.0 km/s. Several transient phenomena such as ceramic projectile self-sharpening, multiple impacts, spall, and buckling were observed. The computation results were used for design and manufacture of high-speed projectiles with superhard tips made of commercially available diamond composites. Experiments involved several projectile configurations. The penetration depth of reference steel projectiles into concrete decreased with increased impact speed while the penetration depth of the projectiles with diamond tips increased. Clusters of ceramic and metal-ceramic projectiles and fragments can find use against larger and softer targets and in the generation of debris.