Dynamic X-ray imaging of the penetration of boron carbide

Abstract
The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has adapted two l-MeV x-ray pulsers to obtain multiple dynamic, real time x-rays of the impact of 7.62-mm APM2 armor-piercing projectiles on a boron carbide ceramic. The goal was to conduct a high fidelity diagnostic analysis of the impact during the initial transient period and document the penetrator/target interaction. Three conditions of the projectile were tested : the full metal jacket projectile ; the steel core and lead tip only ; and just the steel core. These different conditions allow the observation of the tip breakup mechanism and determination of the average penetration velocity, the time for initiation of rigid body penetration into the ceramic/backing and the ballistic contributions of the projectile components.