O EDP Sciences, Les Ulis Dynamic X-ray imaging of the penetration of boron carbide

Abstract. The U.S. Army Research Laboratory has adapted two 1-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/taGet intera&ion.Three conditions ~fthe~rojdctile wereksted: the full metal jac&etprojectile; the steel core and lead tip only; andjust 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 bodi penetraiion into the ceramiclbacking and the ballistic contributions of the projectile components. 1