On the penetration efficiency of ceramic fragments through steel targets

Abstract The penetration efficiency of novel ceramic fragments should be investigated, and their weapon damage effectiveness must be evaluated. In this study, the efficiency of ceramic fragments in penetrating steel targets were analyzed through ballistic impact tests and numerical simulations. The penetration patterns of these ceramic fragments through steel targets indicate significant perforation. It was deduced that the thicker the steel target, the greater the ability of ZrO2 ceramic fragments to penetrate. Results indicate that the thicker the steel target, the greater the ability of ZrO2 ceramic fragments to expand their perforation, while that of Al2O3 ceramic fragments is reduced as the thickness of the steel target is increased. In addition, the number of projectiles triggered by the perforation of the two ceramic fragments behind the targets decreases as the thickness of the steel target increases. Thus, the higher the impact velocity, the larger the perforation diameter of the ceramic fragments, and the larger the number of projectiles behind the target. Under the same impact velocity, the penetration ability of a ZrO2 ceramic fragment on steel targets was better than that of an Al2O3 ceramic fragment, and the number of projectiles behind the target was greater.