HIGH VELOCITY PENETRATION OF STEEL TARGETS

The penetration mechanics and potential benefits of high-velocity for both monolithic and segmented penetrators have been examined in a combined experimental and numerical research program. The program consists of three parts: half-scale ballistic tests, full-scale ballistic tests and complementary computer simulations. The half-scale firings were conducted at the von Karman G range of the U.S. Air Force Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) by Calspan Corporation operating personnel. A large two-stage light gas gun was used to launch half-scale tungsten alloy penetrators at striking velocities from 2-4 km/s against semi-infinite RHA targets. The masses of the half-scale penetrators are nominally 1/8th that of the full-scale penetrators since the geometric scale factor is 1/2. The sabots for launching both the monolithic and segmented penetrators were designed by Calspan personnel. The full-scale tests were conducted at the BRL using a double travel 120 mm M256 gun (9.5 m total travel) with a standard chamber. Preliminary design efforts showed that tungsten alloy (WA) cores with nominal masses of 1 and 2 kg with length-to-diameter ratios (L/D) of 20 could be launched with a double ramp aluminum sabot and achieve muzzle velocities of 2.5 and 2.3 km/s, respectively, with an optimized propelling charge. Two full-scale projectile geometries were selected: L = 300 mm, D = 15 mm, and L = 380 mm, D = 19 mm. Due to launch velocity limitations, the full-scale tests investigate the lower end of the velocity range. The full-scale tests provide baseline data against which the assumption of geometric scaling can be validated. The half-scale test series complements the full-scale series, generating penetration data at much higher velocities than possible at full-scale at this time.