Experimental investigation on the perforation of high-hardness steel plate by an API projectile

Abstract

In the present study, penetration of a 6 mm thick ARMOX 500T high-hardness steel plate by a 7.62x39 mm armor-piercing incendiary bullet with a hard steel core was experimentally investigated. Projectile’s impact velocity has been varied in order to determine its influence on the interaction between the penetrator and the target during the penetration process. The initial velocity was measured by the optical measurement system while the residual velocity was measured using the contact screens. Analytical model for the impact velocity calculation was experimentally verified. Based on the obtained ballistic test results, ballistic limit velocity of the target plate was determined and the residual versus impact velocity curve was formed. Furthermore, categorization of the performed firings was conducted in accordance with the observed penetration process outcomes. Finally, target material failure mechanism and its change due to the increase in the projectile’s impact velocity was investigated.