Influence of composition ratio and microstructure of CuTa jets on penetration performance

The goal of this study was to explore the potential application of Cu-Ta-alloy shaped-charged jets to anti-armor operations, as well as to fill some of the research gaps in this field. The effects of composition ratios and microstructures on the penetration performance of CuTa jets were investigated. CuTa alloys with Ta concentrations of 20 wt% (Cu20Ta), 40 wt% (Cu40Ta), and 80 wt% (Cu80Ta) were prepared. The materials were analysed using scanning electron microscopy, a universal material testing machine, and a split Hopkinson pressure bar. The morphologies and penetration performance of the CuTa jets were characterized by pulsed X-ray and static penetration tests. The results indicated that all three materials met the design requirements. The quasi-static compression strengths of the Cu20Ta, Cu40Ta, and Cu80Ta materials were 76.6 %, 140.1 %, and 551.6 % greater, respectively, than that of pure T2 copper. All three materials could form jets with good morphologies. The penetration depths of the three jets first increased and then decreased as the Ta concentration increased. The penetration depths of the Cu20Ta, Cu40Ta, and Cu80Ta jets changed by 15.1 %, 26.1 %, and − 56.4 %, respectively, from that of a pure T2 copper jet. These results explain the mechanisms that governed the penetration performance of the CuTa alloys, and it was determined that the ideal tantalum-concentration range for the CuTa shaped-charge jets was centred around 40 wt%. The results of this study demonstrate the potential for Cu-Ta-alloy utilization in anti-armor operations and lay a foundation for the application of CuTa alloys in the anti-armor field.