Characterization of behind armor debris after perforation of steel plates by armor piercing projectile

Abstract

Characterization of behind armor debris (BAD) is of utmost importance from the aspect of evaluation of an armor piercing projectile efficiency as well as from the point of target vulnerability. In the present study, the research focus is on the size, mass and shape distribution of fragments generated from the target plate. The experimental results of perforation of 6.35 mm thick steel plates by 12.7 mm armor-piercing projectile have been reported. Projectile impact and residual velocity were measured by the muzzle velocity radar system and make-up screens, respectively. Distribution of a generated BAD cloud and its energetic properties were determined using the calibrated witness pack. The proposed analytical model of the problem is based on the energy conservation, fracture mechanics and fragmentation theory. A good agreement is observed between calculated results and experimental data in terms of the shape, characteristic size and mass distribution of generated fragments. The further research will be focused on the spatial distribution of fragments, as well as on the distribution of their velocities.