Sub-scale ballistic testing of an ultrafine grained tungsten alloy into concrete targets

Abstract

Ultrafine grained tungsten-based alloys are promising kinetic energy penetrator materials because of their high strengths and densities, making them ideal for penetration into concrete and geomaterials. However, there are difficulties in evaluating their ballistic performance using traditional testing techniques because ultrafine grain sizes are challenging to achieve in bulk parts. In this letter, we performed sub-scale ballistic experiments where ultrafine tungsten alloy cores were fired into concrete targets using small caliber projectile assemblies. The results suggest that sub-scale testing may be used as a screening tool for advanced kinetic energy penetrator materials that are more easily prepared in smaller geometries. Keywords: Ultrafine grained; Tungsten; Rigid body penetration; Concrete; Penetrator materials